Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted that he is not happy to have lost Defender Inigo Martinez after the Basque veteran left for Saudi Arabia. Flick confirmed that Martinez told him about his intentions on the run of their pre -season tour from Asia.
Martinez ended his contract with Barcelona last week to become a member of Saudi-Arab side Al-Nassr with a two-year contract. The 34-year-old admitted that it was too good for an offer to reject financially, but it does not distract from the fact that the Blaugrana will be without an important player from last season.
Although Flick showed understanding for Martinez himself, he was clearly emphasized how important he was for their success last season.
“When we came back from South Korea, it was at the end of the flight and I was very surprised when he told me. But I understand him. To be honest, I am not happy that he has left. He is a fantastic player, has a great personality, and he never asks how long the way is just that path.”
“He was very important for the rest of the players. When we started last season, Inigo also thought about what he had to do. But he followed us, he followed our philosophy and was one of the leaders. I really appreciated a lot that I coached the last season. He was not only excellent as a player, but as a person. Of course he wishes him the very best.”
It was suggested that the director of Football Deco on the market flipped for a potential young addition to their team to cover his absence. Yet Flick said that there would be no arrivals with Martinez and supported Gerard Martin to offer coverage.
“To be honest, no. We can also use Gerard MartÃn in this position; I appreciate him high. He played fantastic last year and has improved a lot. He also plays well back. I love players who can be versatile.”
Martin, 23, was occasionally seen in the central defense during the Barcelona in the preseason. However, it would be an important step if he was asked to perform there in major competitions, given that he was the target of opposition in his natural position next season.