Talking in an interview with Cadena SER, Barcelona defender Gerard Martín has revealed that Hansi Flick was the primary particular person to name him ‘Gerard Maldini’, the nickname that has adopted him ever since he efficiently transitioned from left-back to left-sided centre-back.
The Barcelona defender additionally went on to debate numerous different subjects, together with the membership’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez and the way forward for teammate Ferran Torres.
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The origin of ‘Gerard Maldini’
Martin defined that the story of his ‘Maldini’ nickname started throughout final summer time’s pre-season tour, when Flick handed him an surprising alternative within the coronary heart of the defence.
“It began throughout pre-season in Korea. I performed my first match as a centre-back as a result of the coach wished to attempt me there,” he mentioned.
“I did nicely, and afterwards he jokingly referred to as me that. Then somebody picked it up on-line and it simply caught. However the coach was the primary one.”
What started as a light-hearted joke has since grow to be intently related to Martín’s spectacular growth in his new place.
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Flick’s religion modified every thing
Martin stuffed with gratitude in the direction of Flick. (Picture by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Photographs)
The 24-year-old believes Flick deserves a lot of the credit score for his progress over the previous two seasons.
Since deciding to maintain him with the primary workforce, the German coach persistently confirmed confidence in him, even when alternatives have been restricted.
“From the second he determined I might stick with the primary workforce two seasons in the past, I at all times felt his belief, even after I wasn’t enjoying a lot. That helped me develop and grow to be the participant I’m in the present day.”
Martin additionally described Flick’s administration model, saying the Barcelona coach is aware of how one can demand excessive requirements whereas remaining truthful.
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“When he will get indignant, he actually will get indignant, however he is at all times very goal in his assessments.”
Though he initially alternated between left-back and central defence, Martin says there isn’t any longer any doubt about the place he sees his future.
“At first my thoughts was divided as a result of I used to be switching between the 2 positions. Now I am totally targeted on enjoying as a centre-back. I feel I had an excellent season there, though there’s at all times room to enhance.”
His performances alongside Pau Cubarsi finally established the pair as Barcelona’s most well-liked central defensive partnership.
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Martin additionally spoke extremely of defensive associate Cubarsi, highlighting each their understanding on the pitch and {the teenager}’s exceptional maturity.
“We perceive one another rather well, and hopefully someday we’ll do the identical with the nationwide workforce.”
Martin additionally hailed Pau Cubarsi. (Picture by Buda Mendes/Getty Photographs)
Regardless of Cubarsi’s younger age, Martin believes his teammate already possesses qualities far past his years.
“For somebody so younger, he is extremely mature. You’d by no means guess his age by the way in which he performs.”
On Julian Alvarez and Ferran Torres
Martin, when requested if he favored Barcelona goal Julian Alvarez, expressed confidence within the membership’s board to do what wanted to be achieved.
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“We have signed two nice gamers. Julian is a participant I like, however the membership will determine who they wish to usher in for that place. Whoever they bring about in will certainly be good,” he mentioned.
He additionally praised Ferran Torres’s degree of play, each as a starter and as an alternative.
“He is a terrific participant, and he is confirmed it these previous seasons with us. Whether or not he is began or come off the bench, he is carried out very nicely. He is a participant who contributes quite a bit,” Gerard famous.
Greater ambitions for the brand new Season
Wanting forward, Martin set himself formidable objectives for the approaching marketing campaign. Like a lot of his teammates, he made it clear which competitors tops the membership’s precedence record.
“The Champions League. Everybody is aware of that is the one we would like.”
