Following their 2-1 win over Girona in La Liga, FC Barcelona will shift their consideration to the UEFA Champions League as they tackle Olympiacos on Tuesday evening.
Having misplaced their earlier European encounter towards PSG, the Blaugrana shall be desperate to get again to profitable methods and acquire all three factors towards the Greek giants at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tomorrow.
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On the eve of the match, Fermin Lopez, who , appeared on the press convention together with supervisor Hansi Flick and addressed a number of subjects.
Kicking issues off, the Spanish attacking midfielder opened up on what sort of match Barça expect towards Olympiacos, saying:
“I feel it will likely be a really tough match; clearly, it’s the Champions League, and we’re coming off a loss to PSG. We’ve to play nicely, regain our confidence, and win.”
Fermin added in a while: “We’re not considering past tomorrow. It’s a vital match, we’re coming off a loss to PSG, and we have now to give attention to tomorrow, play our greatest sport, and get again to profitable methods.”
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On his function and health
The 22-year-old La Masia graduate then mentioned his function within the crew, having needed to shift between a substitute and a daily starter to date beneath Flick.
“There have been numerous accidents, and we have now to play with what we have now, that are superb gamers. I’ve all the time felt like a vital participant, each as a starter and instead. I’ve to play when the supervisor decides and provides my finest,” he mentioned.
Persevering with to clarify what Flick calls for of him, the teen remarked: “He asks me to press excessive up the pitch, to play with ease, to create openings. I attempt to do my finest, and I can play as a winger or attacking midfielder each time the supervisor wants me to.”
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On being requested if he expects to start out towards Olympiacos and Actual Madrid this week, Fermin replied:
“We’ve two necessary matches developing and a tough week. I don’t know if I’ll be a starter, as a result of that’s as much as the supervisor, however no matter my function is, I’ll attempt to assist the crew and get the three factors in each matches.”
Fermin returned from damage vs Girona. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Concerning his bodily situation upon getting back from damage, he added: “I really feel superb, I used to be capable of play 45 minutes and I’m prepared for regardless of the supervisor decides.”
On the crew’s current performances
Referring to the crew’s current performances and the way they haven’t been at their finest, Fermin elaborated:
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“It’s a course of. We’re not feeling pretty much as good as we’d wish to proper now, however there’s nonetheless a protracted option to go and numerous the season left.
“The crew is all the time united, keen to enhance and work onerous, and within the coming weeks, beginning with tomorrow’s match, we’ll be again to our greatest.”
Concerning the crew’s formation and the high-line ways, he mentioned: “I can’t resolve how the crew performs, however I feel what the supervisor asks for is all the time finest for the crew.
“We’re not feeling nice proper now, however we’ll be again to the place we have been final season. It’s a matter of time, onerous work, and self-criticism.”
The teen additionally spoke in regards to the crew’s urgent ways from the entrance, one thing that has been missing in current video games, saying:
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“Defence is a part of the entire crew: all of us who press, the defence, the midfield… We all know what we have now to do, the supervisor’s plan, and I’m certain we’ll get again to urgent like earlier than and enjoying on the identical stage.”
Fermin additionally acknowledged the absence of Raphinha in that facet and hoped to have the Brazilian winger again quickly.
“Raphinha is a vital participant, he’s already proven that, and we hope he comes again as quickly as potential,” he famous.
The teen additionally praised his teammate Lamine Yamal as one of the best on this planet and had some necessary recommendation for the teenage prodigy.
“I’ve identified Lamine since we have been children and he’s one of the best participant on this planet. Everybody goes to speak about him and everybody will attempt to goal him,” mentioned Fermin.
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“He has to remain calm, he’s mature in that sense, and we attempt to assist him as a result of he’s essential. If he’s doing nicely, the crew will do nicely.”
Fermin discovered himself closely linked with a departure late in the summertime switch window, with Chelsea pushing for his signing. In the long run, although, he ended up snubbing the Premier League giants to remain at Barcelona.
Reflecting on what was a tense finish to the summer time window for him, the Spaniard mentioned: “I used to be very calm as a result of I all the time wished to remain right here, I by no means had any doubts.
“Lots of issues occurred that I couldn’t management, however the necessary factor is that I wished to remain right here, and that’s what occurred.”
Concluding, Fermin gave an perception into the crew’s mindset heading into tomorrow’s sport, as he mentioned:
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“The crew is doing very nicely, very enthusiastic about tomorrow’s match. It’s the Champions League, a vital competitors. We’re actually wanting ahead to it, to enjoying our greatest sport and getting the three factors.”
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