Fermin Lopez credits Xavi Hernandez for giving him the confidence to develop his own style as Barcelona prepare for a challenging trip to Atletico Madrid, a team that knocked them out of two competitions last season.
The 23-year-old midfielder has gone from struggling to break into Barcelona’s senior squad to becoming an important attacking presence under Hansi Flick. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Lopez described his rise as unexpected, especially considering a loan spell at Linares early in his career. “When I went out on loan, I never imagined I’d end up at Barça, let alone think about these things and these statistics,” he said, referring to his current €110 million market valuation.
Lopez downplayed the significance of such figures, comparing them to Harry Kane’s €60 million valuation despite the English striker’s Ballon d’Or win. “They’re just numbers,” Lopez said. “It’s also nice to see your work recognised, but ultimately they’re just numbers and things I can’t control. It doesn’t really bother me much either.”
He gave credit to Xavi Hernandez, who handed him his senior debut in 2023 and encouraged him to express his natural qualities on the pitch. “I’m very grateful to Xavi because he gave me the chance to break into the first team and, above all, he helped give me the confidence to play my own game and develop my own style,” Lopez said. He admitted that during his first spell with Xavi he was “a bit green,” but that the former manager’s trust allowed him to grow.
Looking ahead, Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in a La Liga clash that carries extra weight given last season’s painful memories. Atletico eliminated Barcelona from both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, inflicting two tough defeats. “We’re not particularly looking forward to it. At the end of the day, it’s just another match, but we know it’s important, they hurt us last season, knocking us out twice,” Lopez said.
He acknowledged Atletico’s strength and the challenge they pose. “We know they’re a great side who’ll make life very difficult for us. We’ll have to get every detail right, play our own game, and hopefully win there, as it would be a crucial victory to take us to the top of the table.”
Lopez also recalled a hard moment during last season’s visit to the Metropolitano. He suffered a split lip that required stitches and forced him off the field. “Yes, along with the one against Inter, that one is also among the most painful, the blow itself, which required stitches and hurt a lot, and above all because we were knocked out,” he said.
He reflected on how narrowly missing a goal in that match added to the frustration. “What hurt the most was that, and the fact that if that shot had gone in, it might have been a different match. You start thinking about all sorts of things. It wasn’t a good moment, but you learn from everything,” Lopez said.
Barcelona’s encounter with Atletico Madrid is scheduled for this weekend. The Catalans will be looking for a win to move to the top of La Liga, with Lopez’s form and confidence under Flick’s guidance playing a role in their hopes.
According to Yahoo Sports.
