Barcelona duo talks Lewandowski, UCL exit and Barça’s chances next season after defeat to Valencia | OneFootball

Barcelona ended their La Liga title-winning season on a disappointing note, falling 3-1 to Valencia at Mestalla on the final day.

The result carried no competitive weight as Blaugrana had already settled the title after the win over Real Madrid.

However, the defeat was still a disappointing result for the club, especially knowing it was the last game for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski.

What Gerard Martin said after Valencia defeat

Gerard Martin was one of the more concerning sights of the evening, forced off the pitch for treatment after taking a heavy blow to the head from Luis Rioja that left him bleeding on the turf. He addressed it afterwards with resignation.

“The blow… Bad way to end the season. I left with other points that I didn’t want,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

On the defeat itself, Martin was honest about what a limp end to the campaign feels like, regardless of the title already being secured.

“I think we have had a very good season with two titles, but there should be no relaxation when you have already done it. Nobody likes to end up with a defeat like today’s,” he said.

He pointed to the team’s collective growth across the season as the bigger story, however.

“At the beginning of the season, it was a little more difficult for us, but this team does not stop working and surpassing itself,” he added.

Gerard Martin wanted to end the season with a win. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

On a personal level, Martin reflected positively on his shift from full-back to centre-back – a transition he has navigated with increasing confidence as the season has progressed.

“I’ve gotten used to it quickly. It’s not easy, but I’ve been growing in that position. I’m very happy with my season. There are always things to improve, but I’m happy.”

“I started as a full-back, then I became a centre-back, where I hadn’t played before, but I felt very comfortable. I think I have competed at the level that Barcelona demands,” he said.

“On a collective level, we had just won three titles, which is not easy, and this year we have had some bad ties, but in the League we have been very good and we also won the Super Cup,” he added.

With Lewandowski confirmed to be leaving after four seasons and 120 goals, Martin is hopeful that good players will come to replace him.

“You have to be optimistic. We’ve had two very good seasons. Robert is leaving, but I’m sure good players will arrive. It will be an exciting season,” he said.

De Jong looks ahead

Frenkie de Jong also offered his two cents after the match, echoing Hansi Flick’s desire to push further next season – particularly in Europe, where Barcelona were eliminated by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

De Jong is hopeful for the season ahead. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We want more next year. We have to keep working and keep improving,” he said.

The Dutchman was measured about the squad’s resilience despite the injury problems that affected various players throughout the campaign.

“We have a very good squad, injuries have an effect, but we have very good players and that’s why we can get back on our feet,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

He acknowledged his own frustration at missing matches during the run-in. “Not having been able to be in some games this season.”

On the Champions League exit, De Jong did not shy away from how much it stung. “It’s bad luck, and if you are eliminated, it hurts more. We have to keep going.”

He concluded by looking ahead to the World Cup this summer, where he will be representing the Netherlands.

“I’m fine, I’m looking forward to playing in the World Cup and let’s see what happens. I sign a final and I don’t care against whom,” he said.