Having successfully closed the signing of Inigo Martinez, FC Barcelona now have to train the player to bring him in line with the game plans and strategies designed by Xavi. The current pre-season camp at FC Barcelona would go a long way in helping the player adapt to the new dynamics.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Inigo Martinez was the only new signing of FC Barcelona that was a part of the start of this pre-season. Xavi welcomed the defender to the training with a big hug, and welcomed him with a small chat before making him a part of the first double training session of this pre-season.
This experience with Barcelona is the first time that Martinez is playing for a side outside of the Basque region, as he first succeeded with Real Sociedad, before joining Athletic Club, where he remained for the last six years.
With Martinez’s acquisition, FC Barcelona boast one of the best backlines in Europe, consisting of names such as Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso, and Eric Garcia. All of these players are internationals, including Clement Lenglet, who is also available for Xavi but has permission to join another club this summer.
The first training sessions of the 2023-24 season were already completed on Monday at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but Inigo Martinez was not able to get fully involved in these sessions.
He had been suffering from physical problems for months with Athletic Club, and only did specific training to avoid a relapse. He worked out in the gym, and only saw the Monday training sessions from the stands.
Xavi and the club will be hoping that Martinez is able to incorporate quickly into the team, which would significantly strengthen the backline, and allow the club a good chance of reaching the later stage of the UEFA Champions League, which is the only tournament where Xavi is yet to prove his mettle as a coach.
