Hero of Aston Villa, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez “has an attitude which is not that of a very high level athlete” according to Olivier Létang, president of Losc, eliminated by the English club on Thursday on penalties. In his characteristic style that French football knows well since the 2022 World Cup final that he won with Argentina and his subsequent provocations, Emiliano Martinez was the big player in the Villans’ qualification at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, notably diverting two shots on goal.
“I don’t want us to spend time talking about this boy who has an attitude which is not that of a very high level athlete, because in high level sport, in victory or in defeat, we must remain calm and elegant, so I prefer that we concentrate on ourselves and that we bring out all the positive aspects,” criticized the president of Lille Olivier Létang.
“Dibu” Martinez, among others, distracted Nabil Bentaleb before stopping his attempt, then turning towards the Lille Ultras to demand silence from them with a provocative gesture. During the match and then during the penalty shootout, he received a yellow card. “Martinez likes to deconcentrate, as we saw on the first shot on goal, where he runs to get the ball,” commented Mastiff striker Jonathan David. Normally, he just has to go for his goal. For him, it’s a tactical game. For me, it’s like a penalty that I take in a match. Personally, I had a decision in mind and I stayed focused on that.”
Shamed by the supporters of the northern club, “Emi” Martinez was on the contrary congratulated by his coach Unai Emery: “Emiliano Martinez is very important for us. He has his personality, which has weight in the locker room. He’s a leader every day, with a great mindset, and when he plays, he has his personality too. During the penalty shootout he was also great. I am very proud of him. I believe in him, I know he is mature and responsible. I accept him as he is. He’s still under control.” Lille coach Paulo Fonseca was also admiring, calling him a “great goalkeeper”.
