Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has disclosed that he decided to remain with the club following a conversation with manager Hansi Flick. Martinez, who completed pre-season training with the team, was reassured by Flick’s confidence in his abilities.
Manager’s Assurance
Martinez revealed, “I did pre-season with the team and then Hansi Flick told me that he trusted me, he asked me to stay.” He added, “He told me: trust me, stay at Barcelona. At the end, that was the best solution for me.”
Background
Martinez, a 33-year-old centre-back, joined Barcelona from Athletic Bilbao. Known for his strong defensive skills and aerial ability, he has been a key figure in the backline. His decision to stay comes amidst a period of transition under Flick, who took over as Barcelona’s manager earlier this year.
Recent Developments
Flick has been vocal about his approach to team selection, recently stating that there are “No Guaranteed Starters at Barcelona.” This philosophy was evident when he took responsibility for the team’s recent defeat and expressed concern over goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury.
Martinez’s commitment to Barcelona aligns with Flick’s vision for the club, as the manager continues to build a competitive squad for both domestic and European competitions.