Gerard Martin talks Lamine, Flick, Alba, Camp Nou, Grimaldo rumours – ‘I know the coach is happy with me’ | OneFootball

Having arrived at Barcelona in 2023, initially as part of the reserve team, Gerard Martin has established himself as a first-team player under Hansi Flick since last season.

The 23-year-old left-back battles with Alejandro Balde for a starting position and has made 56 senior appearances so far.

And, in a recent interview with SPORT, Martin reflected on his journey from UD Cornella to Barça Atletic and now the Catalans’ senior setup.

On his growth, Camp Nou return

“I’m happy. I think I’m continuing to grow. I finished last season this way, and I’m continuing in the same vein this season. I’m very satisfied with the confidence the manager is showing in me and with the matches I’m playing and will play,” he said about his form.

Talking about the team as a whole, the left-back remarked: “There’s still a long way to go. There’s been some noise from outside, some doubts because of a few bad matches we’ve had.

“We’re only three points behind Real Madrid in La Liga. We’re on the right track, doing things well and improving.”

Martin then expressed his excitement for Barcelona’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou this weekend, saying:

“I’m really excited. Everyone knows what Camp Nou means to Barça. It’s my chance to play my first match there.

“I expect the atmosphere to be the same as always. I used to go to Camp Nou as a fan when I was little and before I played for Barça, now I’ll be going to play there. You can imagine.”

Martin looking forward to Camp Nou return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Regarding how he felt after experiencing the training session at the stadium last week, he added: “Very emotional, because of all the people there. The pitch was very good, and now I’m really looking forward to going back for a match.”

Regarding questions about team’s defence

There have been questions asked of Barcelona’s defensive structure this season, and doubts raised about the high line. Discussing the same, Martin noted:

“It’s the little details that end up causing a lot of trouble, but we’re sorting them out. It’s not just one thing, although I think the most important thing is to press well, which is a fundamental aspect of our game, so that we don’t suffer in defence.

“It’s very important to put pressure on our opponents all over the pitch so that they can’t make the pass.”

On why Barcelona are getting caught out more than last season, he said: “It could be several things. It’s true that our opponents know us better because we’ve been playing like this for a year now, they study us more and know our weaknesses.

“I think it’s something we need to work on. We can’t be at 90 per cent, we always have to be at 100 per cent.”

Martin added that he does not think Barça need to change anything, saying: “Not at all. If it worked very well for us last year and brought us results and titles, I don’t think we need to change. What we need to do is improve the things we’re not doing so well.”

On Hansi Flick and Lamine Yamal

Talking about what Hansi Flick means for him personally, Martin said: “He’s the coach who gave me all the confidence I needed and who believed in me. I’ll be eternally grateful to him.”

On what it feels like to face Lamine Yamal in training, the left-back stated: “Everyone knows what kind of player Lamine is.

“The truth is that defending against him in training is very difficult, but it also prepares you for matches and helps you improve and grow.”

Reflecting on his start at Barça Atletic to earning a first-team contract at the club this year, he added:

“I made my debut against Valencia. It was a bit difficult at first, but I think that towards the end of the year, in December, I saw that everything was going better and I was already in the first team.

“It was recognition. The coach and the sporting director believed in me and were backing me. Great news.”

Martin happy with his progress at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Regarding his development in this period, he added: “It went from strength to strength. At first, I had to adapt, but as the games went by, I gained confidence. My assessment is positive; I think it was a good season. What’s more, we won titles.

“I’ll take away my growth and the step forward I had to take when I played important games.”

On choosing the shirt No. 18 for this season, Martin stated that it was because he idolised Barcelona legend Jordi Alba.

“Because of Jordi Alba. I wore it for a couple of years at Cornellà because of him. He’s my role model as a left-back. When I watched Barça as a kid, he was the left-back. This summer I had the chance to take the number 18 and I didn’t hesitate,” he said.

On recent rumours linking Barcelona to a new left-back, such as Alejandro Grimaldo, Martin remarked:

“During these weeks of downtime, there’s always external noise, but I don’t pay much attention to those things because you don’t know what’s true and what’s not.

“In the summer, there was also something about me, and I knew it wasn’t true because I had spoken to the club. I’m calm about it because I know the coach is happy with me.”

Concluding, Martin outlined his objectives for the season, saying: “On an individual level, to play as many matches as possible and establish myself in the first team. And on a collective level, to win every title we compete for.”