Inigo Martinez Speaks: Yamal, Flick, and a Quiet Departure—Barça’s Spirit Still Sparkling

Barca, Flick, and the Locker Room Unity

Inigo Martinez, the Al Nassr defender, defended his former club Barcelona under German coach Hans Flick, stressing the unity of the Barca dressing room and praising the rising duo Lamine Yamal and Bao Kobarsi, confirming that they are high-class players with remarkable maturity despite their young age.

Martinez moved to Al Nassr in the summer, but said he still follows Barca with keen interest. He spoke in an interview on the Spanish radio Cadena Cope about various topics including his time at Barcelona, his relationship with Flick, defending the team's commitment, and praising Lamine Yamal, confirming he is the most important player in the side.

'I still follow La Liga, I love football, and Barcelona are only two points behind Real Madrid; I have no doubt the team can compete for titles.' He added, 'People say Barcelona aren’t playing well, but in reality the team is second, only two points off the lead. I still see myself as part of the squad and trust Barcelona will perform well and compete for all trophies.'

"I still follow La Liga, I love football, and Barcelona are only two points behind Real Madrid; I have no doubt the team can compete for titles," Martinez said in a conversation about his former team. He also stressed that he continues to monitor Barça’s progress and believes the club will challenge for trophies this season.

The Rise of Yamal and the La Masia Cohort

When asked whether his departure left a void in Barca's defense or in the team's personality, the 34-year-old Spaniard replied without hesitation, 'No, not at all. The defense is well covered, performance can vary—as it did sometimes last season—but I think I played a leadership role and felt it, because I was talking constantly with teammates on and off the pitch whenever I had the chance. But I don't think there's a leadership deficit this season; the dressing room is united, and there are players there when needed.'

Martinez then spoke about Deco, the club's sporting director, and his message urging the team to push harder, saying, 'Of course he says that; it helps us think and identify weaknesses. I don't think the team struggles with commitment or discipline, but what Deco said was just a nudge, nothing harmful.'

He praised Hansi Flick, saying, 'I'm in constant touch with Flick; our relationship was exceptional, he believed in me and trusted me since I joined the team. I learned a lot from him; he was very supportive and considered me a key pillar for the squad.'

He revealed the behind-the-scenes of informing the Barca coach about his departure during the club's Asia tour in Japan and South Korea last summer, saying, 'I didn't dare tell Flick directly about my desire to leave; I told his assistant, Marcos Sorg, that I wanted to speak with the manager. I told him my decision during the summer tour in Asia, and it was a big surprise for him; Flick was on the plane and didn't expect this decision, which was like a puzzle for him.'

And regarding Flick's warnings to Barca players at the start of the current season, Martinez explained that it's natural and logical: 'Barca's training is incredibly hard; Flick is clear and strict, and he was the first to punish anyone late for training. But this season, you might sense something is off and feel the pressure; that's natural for any Barca fan, but it doesn't shake my belief that Barca can fight and compete for all trophies.'

He lauded the La Masia stars who have become a cornerstone of the first team, especially Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the Ballon d'Or race behind Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.

'Yamal considered me a mentor, almost like a father, since he joined the first team at 15. What he does at his age is remarkable, and the focus he maintains is the best part; everyone around him supports him. He is the best player in the squad, and I hope Lamine doesn't realize the weight of the pressures he carries, because then it would crush him. I've never seen so many young players perform like this at Barcelona.'

And the veteran defender confirmed his complete satisfaction with playing in the Saudi league: 'I am happy and content; my family and I have adapted very well to life in Saudi Arabia, given my age and what I’ve been through. I decided to take a bit of a break and enjoy another culture, and I am very happy with that decision.'

Martinez concluded, 'Cristiano Ronaldo surprised me by waiting for me at the hotel to greet me on my first day; he is a wonderful, competitive person who loves football in every detail.'

Punchline 1: If leadership in football were ammo, I’d be the sniper with a perfect headshot of doubt every game. Punchline 2: Barca's locker room is so united that even the water bottles applaud in unison—finally, a team where the cup isn’t the only thing that’s full.