02/09/2025
Emiliano Martinez.
Based on the reporting, disappointment is two-fold personally and for me, not really to do with him wanting to leave as he's not the first and won't be the last.
1) Should have been professional, stayed focused and not left his teammates in a difficult moment on Sunday. Only has to look at Marc Guehi on the opposite side to know how he should have acted, assuming reporting is accurate and there aren't aspects we're not aware of.
2) After all the talk, delays and ultimately now staying, we've now missed out on top younger talents identified as targets over the summer to provide longer-term solution. Joan Garcia, Lucas Chevalier and Senne Lammens. Maybe we wouldn't have been able to sign them anyway, but weren't in a position to fully commit at the time.
I think it's inevitable that he will reintegrate. Unai Emery will say the transfer window is now closed, whoever is here now is focused on helping the team, Martinez is back and we move forward. An expensive luxury to freeze out or indefinitely bench. This could now be his final season with us, if so, move him on in January or next summer when we're in a position to sign the right replacement/if the offer is right.
Whether there's clarity given/an apology, to his teammates and/or a public one to the Villa fans, remains to be seen, could argue if one is even needed depending the circumstances. If he does return to the Villa XI and he's not playing at the standard expected...MARCO. BIZOT. If he does get back to the form of old, it's time to move on from all the talk and focus on getting our season back on track together.
Your thoughts on the Martinez situation? Blown out of proportion, is there a way back or completely done with him?
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