Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly decided not to include young left-back Gerard Martin in the return leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan after a difficult showing in the first leg. Martin, who started due to Alejandro Balde’s injury, struggled under pressure, particularly against Inter’s right-sided threat from Denzel Dumfries and Nicolò Barella.
According to El Nacional, Flick was dissatisfied with Martin’s composure, decision-making, and defensive positioning. His first-half performance led to an early substitution for Ronald Araújo, signaling Flick’s intent to rely on more experienced defenders in the high-stakes second leg at San Siro.
While the decision is not a total indictment of Martin’s potential, it does highlight the risk of fielding inexperienced players in elite-level fixtures. Flick will likely lean on Araújo or a reshuffled backline in Balde’s continued absence.
