FC Barcelona have been somewhat found out by opposition teams in defence this season, with the Catalans’ high defensive line and offside trap not working as effectively as last term.
The latest evidence of the same came on Tuesday night when Chelsea tore through the Blaugrana defence with ease on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory in 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 down to the summer departure of Inigo Martinez.
And, according to SPORT, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was not happy about the departure of the veteran Spaniard, even though he will never admit it publicly.
The former Athletic Club defender, who left Barcelona for Al-Nassr in the summer, was seen as a key part and the leader of the club’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 operate their offside trap and high-line tactics smoothly without any problems, while at the same time, his ball-playing abilities were equally important.
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Barça have lacked such a presence at the back this season, with Pau Cubarsi having had to step up as the leader despite being only 18 years old.
Eric Garcia has done well when deployed at centre-back, but Flick has often had to move him out to right-back or use him in midfield, leaving Cubarsi without a reliable partner.
So, it does not come as a big surprise that Barcelona have made the signing of a new centre-back one of their priorities for the summer of 2026, with names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Dayot Upamecano, among others, being linked.
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