Javi Martínez Analyzes Barça’s Challenges: Flick’s Style is Total Barcelona

Javi Martínez, the midfielder for Qatar SC with a notable past at Athletic Bilbao and Bayern Munich, delves into the current affairs of Barcelona on the ‘Jijantes’ Twitch channel. Discussing his former teammate Robert Lewandowski and coach Hansi Flick, rumored to replace Xavi Hernández after June 30, Martínez observes, “Flick’s style of play is total Barcelona.”

Martínez points out the struggles of Barcelona this season, emphasizing the defensive lapses and reduced intensity. He identifies the absence of Sergio Busquets, now with Inter Miami, as a significant factor in Barcelona’s decline, stating, “The team misses a figure like Busquets, someone always thinking about what might happen when they lose the ball.”

Regarding Xavi’s decision to step down as Barcelona’s coach after June 30, despite having a contract until 2025 with an optional additional year, Martínez expresses surprise: “I was shocked when Xavi announced his departure. The press in Barcelona and Madrid can be very harsh. In Germany, the figure of the coach is much more respected.”

Discussing Lewandowski’s frustration with fewer goal-scoring opportunities this season, Martínez notes, “Robert is frustrated that the ball doesn’t reach him. In Bayern, he had some disagreements about this. He asks for the ball near the area, where he excels, and if it doesn’t reach him, he can’t perform at his best.”

On Hansi Flick, a potential candidate for Barcelona’s coaching role next season, Martínez describes him as a clear and calm coach who prioritizes ball-centric training. Reflecting on Flick’s methods, he adds, “Flick’s style of play is total Barcelona. We played with him in a Pep Guardiola style, with the defenders at the back and ball distribution from there.”