Gerard Martin acknowledges the pressure on Barcelona defenders: ‘Will always be under scrutiny’

Gerard Martin acknowledges the pressure on Barcelona defenders: ‘Will always be under scrutiny’ Speaking in an interview with Achraf Ben Ayad (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), Gerard Martin has opened up on the scrutiny that comes with playing in the Barcelona defensive line. The 24-year-old versatile defender has become a regular fixture in Hansi Flick’s side, but he understands that his position will come under examination whenever results do not go in the favour of the Blaugrana . Martin opens up on Atletico Madrid win Martin granted the interview after Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid this past weekend , which came at an important moment for the team. After all, there had been some question marks over the Catalans’ style of play and ability to get positive results against big teams following losses to PSG and Real Madrid. Moreover, a defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday would have seen Barça give up the top spot in La Liga to Diego Simeone’s men. Happy with the performances. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Discussing the significance of the result, Martin noted: “It was important to win to gain an advantage. We’re doing well. We’re also still at the beginning of the season and we have to keep improving.” “I see the team doing well; it’s true that with the two important matches we lost in a row, people started murmuring, but I’m calm because we’re doing things right,” he added, about the team’s performance. The defender also acknowledged that Barcelona had not started the Atletico match as they would have wanted, having conceded an early goal. However, he was pleased with the way the players responded and managed to turn the game around. “It is true that the other day we didn’t start the game very well, but then we knew how to correct and overcome it and in the end we ended up winning, which is the important thing,” he said. On the pressure and scrutiny Martin expressed his happiness over his growing involvement in the team under Flick. Atthe same time, he insisted that he understood that Barcelona’s style of football inevitably places considerable attention on the backline. “Good, very happy to be playing. I’m taking it quite naturally because I know that with our style of play, if there’s any doubt, the defence will always be under scrutiny,” he admitted. Aware of the scrutiny. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “In my case, if the team isn’t having a good period, the position of the defender and the centre-back will be questioned.” Martin was also asked about Barcelona’s ambitions in the UEFA Champions League. While winning the competition remains a major objective, he stated that the squad does not see the idea of lifting the trophy as an ‘obsession’. “I don’t know if we’re obsessed or not, but we have to take it one step at a time. We don’t see it as an obsession,” he said. “We do want to win it and we’ll do everything possible to do so, but without the negative side of becoming obsessed with something. We know it’s a difficult challenge, but we’re going to give it our all.”