In an exclusive interview with "Daily Sports", Barcelona defender Gerard Martin talked about his status this season, his return to the Nou Camp and other topics.

After another international match day, La Liga finally returns

- Yes. Being used to the previous game rhythm, sometimes it is difficult to survive the almost two-week game gap, but it is also good to rest and relax. We just had a win, which is always good in situations like this.

This return is special because the game will be played at Camp Nou

- I couldn't be more excited. Everyone knows what Camp Nou means to Barcelona. This is my first chance to play there.

What is the scene in your imagination?

- I'm looking forward to a familiar atmosphere. I used to go to Camp Nou as a fan as a kid, I went there many times to watch games before playing for Barcelona and now I will play there. You can imagine that feeling.

You participated in public training a few days ago. How did it feel?

——I was very excited because there were so many people there. The course is in excellent condition and I'm now really looking forward to getting back and playing.

The season has been going on for three months. How do you evaluate your performance?

——I am very happy and I feel that I am still making progress. I think that's where it was at the end of last season and I've continued that momentum this season. I'm very happy with the trust my coaches have in me and the games I've played in, and I'm looking forward to playing more games.

As a team, we still have a long way to go, what are your thoughts on this?

- As you said, we still have a long way to go. There are some doubts from the outside world because we have not played well in several recent games. We are only three points behind Real Madrid in La Liga. We are on the right path, everything is moving in a good direction and we are making continuous progress.

The doubt and weakness lies in the number of goals conceded. As a defender, how would you view this issue?

- It's really tough for a defender to concede so many goals. Conceding a few goals in a game can be frustrating. Even if you know that defense is not just the defender's responsibility but everyone's responsibility, conceding the ball still affects you. We are all working hard to improve, and I believe we can do it. We, like the goalkeeper, want to keep a clean sheet.

What does the team need to do to improve in this area?

- These are small details that end up causing big problems, but we are working hard to improve them. It's not due to one factor, but I think the most important thing is to press well, which is a fundamental element of our game, so that we don't get bogged down defensively. It is crucial to apply full-court pressure on the opponent so they cannot pass the ball.

What changes have occurred from last season to this season?

- Possibly many aspects. It's true that our opponents know us better because we've been playing like this for a year. They study us deeper and understand our weaknesses. I think that's what we have to do. We can't just perform at 90%, we must always be at 100%.

How does a defender handle such a high-stakes game?

- When something goes wrong, you feel pain, but I feel comfortable playing like this. If we do it right, this way may be better than the other way. I find it very relaxing to play like this.

So, you're one of the people who thinks we shouldn't change

- Yes. If this style of play worked for us last year and brought us results and titles, I don't think we have to change. What we need to do now is improve where we are not doing well enough.

Inigo Martinez said that he often suffers from insomnia after games due to the need to maintain a high level of competitiveness. How did you cope?

——To be honest, I had a hard time falling asleep after the game. It's hard to get a few hours' sleep after a game because of the intense pressure and intense concentration one has to endure. Just like Inigo.

How do you develop this kind of focus and understanding?

- The key is to commit to the game and evaluate every move, not just the back four. The same goes for midfielders and forwards. You know if you give your opponent space, they'll take advantage. Sometimes we use video replays to analyze the defense and see what we did wrong and what needs to be improved. Those of us who stayed have worked out in the offseason and now all of us will continue to work hard. I believe we will see a stronger Barcelona.