Flick hails Iñigo’s leadership & talks Barça’s famous high line
The coach was full of praise for the veteran defender
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was full of praise for veteran defender Iñigo Martínez ahead of Sunday’s massive La Liga clash against Real Madrid.
Speaking in a press conference on Saturday, the coach was asked about the Basque center-back, who has had perhaps the best season of his career with the Blaugrana at the age of 33. His play on the pitch is impressive on his own, but his presence in the dressing room as a leader of men has truly made him indispensable to the team.
Flick praised Iñigo’s ability to adapt to his high-risk defensive system, and highlighted his leadership and fighting spirit as major qualities that make Martínez a special player.
“Iñigo has a different style. He’s a player who likes to be more in-depth, and he’s improved and adapted. It’s incredible to see how he’s adapted. He’s a leader and always focuses on winning every game. How he focuses on every training session and how he always thinks positively and shares that with his players. And he’s a fighter. I’m happy with him, and I can say that. It might be one of his best seasons, and it’s not easy. It’s not easy to make these changes at 33 years old.”
The coach was also asked about his famous high line, which has mostly worked wonders for the Blaugrana. Despite quite a few scares and many, many opponent disallowed goals for tight offsides, Flick believes his squad has adapted well to his philosophy and highlighted the importance of hard work from the entire team out of possession for the strategy to work.
“I had a clear philosophy, although there were some doubts because it’s a different style. But it’s about the whole team, not just the back line. You have to press wherever the ball is. You have to win back possession. They’ve done very well. There were games, at the start, where there were doubts, but we adjusted. They’ve been improving, and I think they’re happy with the style, with how we want to play. When you see how they train and their level, we’re happy. We’re happy with their focus, their hard work... and we see the results. I hope for another title.”
Barça’s high line will be tested once again by the pace and skill of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius on Sunday, and the introduction of Arda Güler to the Madrid lineup adds a smart and precise passer who could make a big difference finding his fellow forwards with timely passes in behind the Blaugrana’s offside trap.
The Catalans could virtually wrap up the league title with a win in El Clásico, and they’ll need Iñigo to lead the way at the back once again while the rest of his teammates work just as hard without the ball to win it back and create chances against a weakened Madrid defense.
Can’t wait for Sunday.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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