Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was being talked about as arguably the most effective central defender in La Liga earlier than the final worldwide break, however was not included in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad, even when Aston Villa’s Pau Torres pulled out with damage. All the identical, Martinez mentioned he understood the choice.
Martinez was talking after Barcelona dropped two factors towards Celta Vigo, and earlier than they took on Brest within the Champions League. The 33-year-old roughly confirmed that the gamers had obtained a stern telling off from supervisor Hansi Flick after the sport.
“It was a recreation that we had beneath management, and also you let two very important factors slip away. It’s regular that the supervisor felt indignant, and the staff, indignant. These are issues that occur in soccer, and all of us win and lose collectively. Considering the minute that it was and the way the sport was going, we let an vital alternative slip away.”
The Basque defender admitted he was having fun with this yr loads, and that Flick had performed a key function in that.
“From the primary minute, Hansi confirmed me that he wished to see me and provides me that chance. I did not need to be right here being an annoyance if the supervisor does not need you or does not belief you. “He gave me the chance in pre-season, and when it completed, we noticed that he wished me as a starter.”
“It’s the work of somebody who cannot be seen and who tries to struggle for what’s his. The supervisor has lots of affect in that, as a result of he has to present you that confidence. Let’s hope that issues go effectively, and that this yr we find yourself successful titles.”
Everything signifies that Héctor Fort will begin tomorrow. @fansjavimiguel pic.twitter.com/lWjq6xqAkq
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 25, 2024
After being overlooked of the Spain squad by de la Fuente, Martinez was requested what he considered that, and whether or not he believed it was primarily based on efficiency. The ex-Athletic Club and Real Sociedad defender was pretty sanguine in regards to the matter.
“It’s completely comprehensible. I’m 33 years previous and the extent of the younger gamers is outstanding. It’s not that it is one thing unusual, it is the coach’s determination, he is considering a youthful staff and needs to present alternatives to those that are pushing laborious. I do not really feel I needs to be outrageous about him not taking me. “I’m of a sure age and it is regular that the coach needs to see different gamers.”