Fermin Lopez has made Barcelona’s ambitions clear ahead of El Clasico, insisting that his side must focus on their own performance while identifying Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe as two Real Madrid players they must contain.
The Barcelona midfielder also addressed Jose Mourinho’s comments about refereeing, discussed his return from injury and backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or.
Fermin Lopez identifies Courtois and Mbappe as key threats
Speaking to RTVE (h/t SPORT) ahead of the meeting with Real Madrid, Fermin stressed that the form of either team would not determine the outcome of El Clasico.
“It doesn’t matter how either team arrives at the game. We are two great teams, and we have to focus on our own game and take care of the details. Hopefully, we can win,” he said.
The midfielder singled out Courtois and Mbappe as players capable of making the difference, acknowledging the goalkeeper’s ability to produce crucial saves and the forward’s decisive quality.
“Courtois earns them a lot of points; he makes a lot of saves, and Mbappe makes the difference. If possible, I would take both of them out of the team. We have to deal with all of them collectively,” Fermin added.
Fermin identifies Mbappe as a threat ahead of El Clasico. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Against a Real Madrid side boasting match-winners at both ends of the pitch, controlling the opposition as a unit could prove decisive.
Barcelona midfielder dismisses Mourinho’s refereeing debate
Fermin was also asked about Mourinho and Real Madrid’s constant complaints concerning refereeing in Spanish football, but he was reluctant to get drawn into a public dispute.
“We don’t get involved in controversies about referees. We are doing things well, winning games and representing the values of Barcelona. We have to continue on our own path,” he said.
The midfielder suggested that continuing the debate would only fuel unnecessary controversy, adding that he was tired of hearing the same arguments.
“On the pitch, we are showing the level we have,” Fermin concluded.
His response reflects Barcelona’s preference to keep the focus on performances and results rather than engage in a war of words before one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
Fermin repaying Flick’s trust, backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or
Fermin has made a fine start to the season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Fermin also offered an encouraging update on his own condition after recovering from injury that kept him out of the World Cup and making a brilliant start to the season.
The midfielder believes he has returned at full fitness and is benefiting from the confidence shown in him by head coach Hansi Flick.
“Hansi is giving me a prominent role and showing confidence in me. I have returned well from the injury, and I have to keep working like this to help the team,” he explained.
Fermin was equally decisive when asked who should win the Ballon d’Or. He did not hesitate to name his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal.
“Lamine Yamal, because he is the best,” he said.