Martin Braithwaite delighted with Barcelona wanting another striker
Barcelona wanting a new striker doesn’t bother Martin Braithwaite.
When Ronald Koeman was chosen to be the next manager of Barcelona, the first thing the Dutchman did was get rid of star striker, Luis Suarez. Lionel Messi and Suarez were the goal bringers to the club and they did not have anyone who could take the striker’s place. Martin Braithwaite, who was signed from former La Liga side, Leganés, was not deemed good enough for the club. However, as of late, Koeman has been forced to use him but should he sign a new striker, Braithwaite might have to find a new club.
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The Danish striker was never Koeman’s choice to replace Suarez. The Dutch manager wanted to bring in either Lautaro Martinez or Memphis Depay but due to their terrible financial situation, he was stuck with no new no. 9. Martin Braithwaite is the only true striker that the club has at the moment but even then, Koeman mostly prefers Antoine Griezmann and Messi over him.
Due to the lack of options, he has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far but has only managed to score five goals and provide two assists. These are not very promising numbers and Koeman is desperately searching for a player who will put more balls in the back of the net. Although the manager has made it clear that he does not trust Braithwaite, the 29-year-old is still adamant and believes that he can change his boss’s opinion.
The striker in an interview with TV3, said that he is not scared about the possible inclusion of a new striker. In fact, he stated that he welcomed the new challenge as it would make him train even harder. In the interview he said,
"“I like that other players are sought out. It is supposed to be like that in a club like this, which aspires to have the best in the world. It doesn’t scare me, it motivates me.”Source Goal"
The former Middlesbrough player went on to say that internal competition is good for the club and that it would motivate players to do even better. While it is true that competition between teammates can make them better, in this case, it might push Braithwaite down the pecking order even further.
When asked about a possible Barcelona exit, the player was sure that he would not leave the club in January and would play next season as well. The Catalans are going through a financial crisis and non-essential players like Braithwaite could be sold to raise funds but the Danish forward is confident that he will play on at the club.
"“I don’t think about anything other than winning these trophies. That’s why I get up every morning and work so hard.”"
Would you like to see Braithwaite continue at the Nou Camp?