Gerard Martin talks Flick, Inigo, Szczesny, Camp Nou, centre-back role ahead of Barcelona vs Eintract Frankfurt | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Gerard Martin addressed the media ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, a match that carries enormous weight in the club’s bid to secure a top-eight spot. 

The fixture marks another high-pressure European night at the Spotify Camp Nou, and Martin spoke with calmness and maturity about both the team’s ambitions and his growing role under Hansi Flick.

He began by highlighting what it means to step onto the pitch at the Camp Nou for a Champions League night. 

The full-back described the atmosphere as something that fuels the squad.

“It’s always motivating to play at Camp Nou. With the Champions League, we have an extra boost and we’re very motivated,” he began as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Playing as a centre-back

A major talking point this season has been his transition into a centre-back role. Martin explained that this shift was something Hansi Flick experimented with early on.

“It’s a position the manager tried me in during preseason and I feel good. I feel comfortable in both positions and the manager will decide.”

Gerard Martin is very motivated to play. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Asked about his conversations with Flick regarding this positional change, Martin elaborated further.

He recalled how the manager prepared him for the role months before he actually played there.

“During pre-season, he wanted to try me out and then I didn’t play due to circumstances. I kept training in that position. The day I was going to play, he asked me if I was ready and I said yes.”

When questioned about previous experience in central defence, Martin offered more insight.

“I had played a couple of years with a back five. As a centre-back, it’s important to be able to play the ball out from the back. That’s one of the aspects.”

On Real Madrid’s slump

Attention then turned to Real Madrid’s recent slump in La Liga — something many considered beneficial for Barcelona’s title hopes. Martin refused to get carried away by Madrid’s stumbles.

“I watched the game. It doesn’t mean much anyway. A few weeks ago we were behind. 

“It’s clear that it’s better to have some breathing room, but there are teams like Villarreal that are pushing hard.”

Looking ahead to the Champions League group stage picture, Martin reinforced the importance of maintaining momentum.

“We’re on a good run and we want to keep improving. We can’t afford to drop any more points in the Champions League. We have to win and be at the top.”

He also broke down the tactical differences between his two roles.

“As a full-back, you have to jump higher when pressing, and as a centre-back, you have to be more attentive in duels. We are improving, as has been seen in the last few matches.”

More on the matter

Gerard Martin has transitioned into a centre-back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

When asked who he studies for inspiration as a centre-back, Martin revealed a simple approach.

He acknowledged that playing full-back most of his career shaped his perspective.

“Since I almost always play as a full-back, I haven’t paid much attention to centre-backs, but I have looked at those on our team to help with the adaptation.”

On whether Barcelona should be considered favourites for the league title, Martin opted for humility. He insisted the team must earn that status.

“I don’t know if we’re favourites to win the league. We have to win every possible game to avoid losing this advantage we have.”

Asked if he feels important in Flick’s setup, Martin credited the manager for building his confidence. He said his role does not change his mentality.

“I feel important to the team, and the coach conveys that with his confidence. 

“Right now I’m playing centre back, but I don’t feel more like a centre back than a full back. I’ll play wherever the coach tells me to.”

Disappointment of last season

Meanwhile, reflecting on his difficult night in Milan last season, Martin shared the words that helped him bounce back.

He revealed how Szczesny encouraged him after that emotional setback.

“It was a turning point. Szczesny wanted to encourage me and told me to look at where I was two years ago. He told me I had to be happy and hold my head high,” he concluded.

He concluded by sharing his thoughts on Inigo Martinez, stating, “Inigo had a great year last year. He was a leader and I’ve watched footage of him to see how he did things.”