Fermin Lopez talks Flick, Lamine, Raphinha, role in team, fitness ahead of Barcelona vs Olympiacos | OneFootball

Following their 2-1 win over Girona in La Liga, FC Barcelona will shift their attention to the UEFA Champions League as they take on Olympiacos on Tuesday night.

Having lost their previous European encounter against PSG, the Blaugrana will be eager to get back to winning ways and collect all three points against the Greek giants at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tomorrow.

On the eve of the match, Fermin Lopez, who made his return from injury in the win over Girona, appeared at the press conference along with manager Hansi Flick and addressed several topics.

Kicking things off, the Spanish attacking midfielder opened up on what kind of match Barça are expecting against Olympiacos, saying:

“I think it will be a very difficult match; obviously, it’s the Champions League, and we’re coming off a loss to PSG. We have to play well, regain our confidence, and win.”

Fermin added later on: “We’re not thinking beyond tomorrow. It’s a very important match, we’re coming off a loss to PSG, and we have to focus on tomorrow, play our best game, and get back to winning ways.”

On his role and fitness

The 22-year-old La Masia graduate then discussed his role in the team, having had to shift between a substitute and a regular starter so far under Flick.

“There have been a lot of injuries, and we have to play with what we have, which are very good players. I’ve always felt like a very important player, both as a starter and as a substitute. I have to play when the manager decides and give my best,” he said.

Continuing to explain what Flick demands of him, the youngster remarked: “He asks me to press high up the pitch, to play with ease, to create openings. I try to do my best, and I can play as a winger or attacking midfielder whenever the manager needs me to.”

On being asked if he expects to start against Olympiacos and Real Madrid this week, Fermin replied:

“We have two important matches coming up and a difficult week. I don’t know if I’ll be a starter, because that’s up to the manager, but whatever my role is, I’ll try to help the team and get the three points in both matches.”

Fermin returned from injury vs Girona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Regarding his physical condition upon returning from injury, he added: “I feel very good, I was able to play 45 minutes and I’m ready for whatever the manager decides.”

On the team’s recent performances

Touching on the team’s recent performances and how they have not been at their best, Fermin elaborated:

“It’s a process. We’re not feeling as good as we’d like to right now, but there’s still a long way to go and a lot of the season left.

“The team is always united, eager to improve and work hard, and in the coming weeks, starting with tomorrow’s match, we’ll be back to our best.”

Regarding the team’s formation and the high-line tactics, he said: “I can’t decide how the team plays, but I think what the manager asks for is always best for the team.

“We’re not feeling great right now, but we’ll be back to where we were last season. It’s a matter of time, hard work, and self-criticism.”

The youngster also spoke about the team’s pressing tactics from the front, something that has been lacking in recent games, saying:

“Defence is part of the whole team: all of us who press, the defence, the midfield… We know what we have to do, the manager’s plan, and I’m sure we’ll get back to pressing like before and playing at the same level.”

Fermin also acknowledged the absence of Raphinha in that aspect and hoped to have the Brazilian winger back soon.

“Raphinha is a very important player, he’s already shown that, and we hope he comes back as soon as possible,” he noted.

The youngster also praised his teammate Lamine Yamal as the best in the world and had some important advice for the teenage prodigy.

“I’ve known Lamine since we were kids and he’s the best player in the world. Everyone is going to talk about him and everyone will try to target him,” said Fermin.

“He has to stay calm, he’s mature in that sense, and we try to help him because he’s very important. If he’s doing well, the team will do well.”

Fermin found himself heavily linked with a departure late in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea pushing for his signing. In the end, though, he ended up snubbing the Premier League giants to stay at Barcelona.

Reflecting on what was a tense end to the summer window for him, the Spaniard said: “I was very calm because I always wanted to stay here, I never had any doubts.

“A lot of things happened that I couldn’t control, but the important thing is that I wanted to stay here, and that’s what happened.”

Concluding, Fermin gave an insight into the team’s mindset heading into tomorrow’s game, as he said:

“The team is doing very well, very excited about tomorrow’s match. It’s the Champions League, a very important competition. We’re really looking forward to it, to playing our best game and getting the three points.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo