FC Barcelona have been considerably discovered by opposition groups in defence this season, with the Catalans’ excessive line of defense and offside entice not working as successfully as last time period.
The latest evidence of the same came on Tuesday night when Chelsea tore by the Blaugrana defence with ease on their method to a cushty 3-0 victory within the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
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Flick not happy with Inigo Martinez’s departure
Barcelona’s defensive struggles this season have largely been chalked right down to the summer departure of Inigo Martinez.
And, in line with SPORT, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick was not happy about the departure of the veteran Spaniard, despite the fact that he won’t ever admit it publicly.
The former Athletic Club defender, who left Barcelona for Al-Nassr within the summer, was seen as a key half and the chief of the membership’s backline last season.
Inigo Martinez was integral to Barcelona’s plans last season. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Inigo’s tactical understanding helped Barça function their offside entice and high-line techniques easily with none issues, whereas on the identical time, his ball-playing talents had been equally essential.
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Barça have lacked such a presence on the again this season, with Pau Cubarsi having needed to step up because the chief regardless of being solely 18 years previous.
Eric Garcia has achieved properly when deployed at centre-back, however Flick has usually needed to transfer him out to right-back or use him in midfield, leaving Cubarsi with no dependable accomplice.
So, it does not come as an enormous shock that Barcelona have made the signing of a brand new centre-back certainly one of their priorities for the summer of 2026, with names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Dayot Upamecano, amongst others, being linked.