‘We had two mistakes‘ — 24-year-old Barcelona defender self-critical despite 7-2 win over Newcastle | OneFootball

Gerard Martin may have had plenty of reasons to celebrate after an emphatic 7-2 Barcelona win over Newcastle United, but the defender’s reaction after the match showed exactly the kind of demanding mentality Hansi Flick wants from his players.

Speaking after the game, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona defender did not focus first on the scoreline or the team’s attacking brilliance. Instead, he immediately pointed to the mistakes that had allowed Newcastle back into the contest during the first half. As he put it:

It was an honest and self-critical assessment, especially on a night when Barcelona eventually spectacularly overpowered their opponents.

Gerard Martin then turned his attention to the team’s response after the break, making it clear that Barcelona knew they had to step things up once they returned to the dressing room. Explaining the improvement, he said:

Those words reflected exactly how the game unfolded. After a far more chaotic opening period, Barcelona came out with much greater authority in the second half, moved the ball better, attacked the spaces with more clarity, and ended up running away with the tie.

Gerard Martin’s own contribution should not be overlooked either. He helped set up Marc Bernal’s goal with a headed assist for the 2-1, and also started the move for Fermin Lopez’s 4-2 with an excellent line-breaking pass to Raphinha.

Just as importantly, the defender avoided a yellow card despite being at risk of suspension, meaning he will be available for the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.

Slowly yet sure, the Spaniard is establishing his influence in the team, and let’s wait and see if he can continue his good form in the games to come.