Barcelona are all set to lock horns with Serbian bigwigs Crvena Zvezda in the fourth matchday of the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night in Belgrade.
The Blaugrana are in red-hot form and go into the game at the Rajko Mitic Stadium as overwhelming favourites, especially having taken apart teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid a couple of weeks ago.
On role, competition and renewal
On the eve of the game, young midfielder Fermin Lopez appeared at the press conference with manager Hansi Flick and addressed the media, discussing various issues including the competition for places in midfield.
“It’s true that there are a lot of players in midfield with a lot of quality, but the competition is good. We are all trying to improve. When the coach needs me, I’ll give my all,” said the young midfielder who recently signed a new contract at Barcelona.
Further discussing his own role in the scheme of things, Fermin admitted that he would be happy to play wherever the manager asked him to, saying:
“I will play wherever the coach needs me to. I think I can play in many positions. We are very successful and scoring a lot of goals. We have to continue like this to get great results.”
Regarding his contract renewal until 2029, Fermin said: “I am very happy to remain linked to the club until 2029, but I hope it will be many more. Last year this situation was unimaginable for me. I hope to continue at Barça for many more years.”
On the game in Belgrade
Fermin admitted that the atmosphere in Belgrade tomorrow will pose a challenge but expressed confidence in the Catalans’ current form, saying:
“We are in a very good dynamic. Tomorrow will be difficult, against an opponent with a great atmosphere. We will try to play the way we know how to play to get the three points.”
Regarding the importance of the game, he added: “Tomorrow is a very important match, we will face it with a lot of desire to get the three points. I’m sure that those of us who play will try to do well to get the three points.”
Continuing, Fermin remarked: “We are in a very good moment for everyone and it’s important for the team. We have to continue with this dynamic and I’m sure we’ll be able to maintain these results.”
Asked once again about the atmosphere that will be awaiting them at Crvena Zvezda’s stadium, the youngster said: “Tomorrow there will be a complicated atmosphere. We know it will be difficult. We are aware that we have to do well tomorrow.”
While Barcelona secured a straightforward win against RCD Espanyol in the Catalan derby this past weekend, there was a stark drop in performance levels in the second half – something that Flick does not want his team to repeat.
Addressing that, Fermin said: “The second half the other day we relaxed a bit. The coach put us under pressure. I don’t think it will happen again. The team is doing a great job and we have to continue like this. Tomorrow we will play our football.”
On Flick and La Masia
Youngsters from La Masia are getting plenty of exposure and they are making the most of their chances in the first team. Discussing the Barcelona youth academy, the 21-year-old said:
“There are very young people, from La Masia. We have a very good family, we all help each other and it shows on the pitch. La Masia is very important for Barça and now we have more prominence.”
Discussing his own progression from the academy to the senior team, Fermin remarked: “It’s a big part of La Masia. At Barça, they prepare us very well and when we go up to the first team we are playing at a good level. That’s what’s important.”
On how Flick has taken a liking to La Masia, he added: “The coach gives us a lot of confidence, security when it comes to playing. He helps us all and you can see it on the pitch. We are working well and getting great results.”
The midfielder also gave credit to Flick for how Barcelona have improved in recent months, saying:
“The coach is a big part to thank for that. Since he arrived he has helped us a lot and we have all improved. This year we are a very strong team, despite the fact that we are practically the same. I’m sure we’ll achieve great things.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
