Overview
- Unai Emery confirmed he removed Martínez as Aston Villa’s second captain, naming Ezri Konsa next in line with Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins among alternatives.
- During the Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Konsa wore the armband in John McGinn’s absence, signaling the change before Emery’s confirmation.
- Lionel Scaloni will rest Martínez for Argentina’s friendly against Angola, with coaches framing the omission as workload management as Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez get opportunities.
- Coverage links the strain between Emery and Martínez to the goalkeeper’s push for a Manchester United move in the last transfer window.
- On the pitch, Martínez produced a standout Premier League performance against Bournemouth with a penalty save in a 3-0 win.