Iñigo Martinez: 'If we relax we'll pay for it'

We're all set for Tuesday's game with Brest this Tuesday at 9pm  CET at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which Iñigo Martinez says "will be a nice game to play, but also difficult, but we hope our team shows its best qualities again and goes out to win the match."

"Brest are doing a very. very good job" he continued. "If we relax, we'll pay very dearly. They will be tough opponents because it's not by chance that they haven't lost a game yet. They are very good on the counter, are physically strong and this will be a good game to try to put the recent setbacks behind us."

"The draw with Celta was very hard to take in because we let a very good opportunity slip by. But dropping points also boosts your strength. Our mentality is always to go out and win and that hasn't changed."

The right pressure

A major topic of discussion at the press conference was Barça's high line of defence, which produced such good results early on, but teams may have now got wise to. Said Iñigo, "if we apply the right kind of pressure it's hard for teams to get in behind us and to find a player, also because our goalkeeper moves forward and that helps. It certainly doesn't always work, but we have very rarely got caught out. Apart from the last couple of games, our defending has been spot on. I think we're doing well, and as long as we get the pressure right, teams will struggle to create chances against us."

Having fun

Martinez added that "I am enjoying this year more than any. It's all good. As a team, we are competing in every match. Personally, I feel appreciated by the boss. And I feel in good physical shape, I'm not getting injuries, and I feel very comfortable and enjoy carrying some weight in the dressing room. I didn't want to be any bother here, but from the very first moment Flick has been giving me chances, and that's important because if he is confident in me, then he'll get the best of me in return."

"I am just focusing on what I have to do day by day, and on competing as hard as I can. And enjoying every one of the opportunities that the coach gives me". 

Naming names

Iñigo also discussed some of his team-mates. On the injured Lamine Yamal he said, "we know how important he is. He gives us confidence and he worries opponents. He's vital for us, but that doesn't mean there aren't top class players to take his place. We have more than enough players to win every game".

"And it's only logical that Pau Cubarsí is coming in for such praise. He is showing us what potential he has. He's amazing. He has such clear ideas. I have no doubt he has a lot of fine years ahead of him".

"And we're delighted with Iñaki Peña. He's a great guy, different, peculiar, but he silently gets on with things. He has taken all the chances that have come his way. It's not an easy job, but he is so relaxed and never once have I seen him out of his comfort zone. He transmits security. He's showing what a great goalkeeper he is."