Football fans will be watching tomorrow, Saturday, at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, where one of the most exciting matches of the season will take place as Barcelona faces its arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. This match is not only important as the first title of the season, but it is also a true test for Barcelona, determining the Catalan team’s ability to pursue a treble.
In a controversial statement that sparked widespread debate in sporting circles, Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta issued a direct warning to the German coach, urging him not to include young left-back Gerard Martín in the starting lineup.
Iniesta described Martín as a “real disaster,” believing he lacks the experience to handle the pressure of such high-stakes matches, especially against a team like Real Madrid, which excels at exploiting defensive weaknesses.
The Spanish legend pointed out that Real Madrid will likely apply pressure on Barcelona’s left flank and take advantage of Martín’s inexperience, potentially turning that area into a major vulnerability in the team’s formation. For this reason, Iniesta recommended deploying Ronald Araújo at left-back, citing his defensive solidity and greater experience in big matches.
Iniesta believes that Flick’s decision regarding this position could be a decisive turning point in the title race, warning: “Playing Martín could be the key to Barcelona losing their first title of the season.”