At Spain’s Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, Fermín López spoke with the Nations League gathering in view but with Barcelona’s early-season momentum still close at hand. The 23-year-old midfielder believes the Catalan side have become genuine contenders across the board, while warning that a congested calendar and a three-week international interruption can quickly alter a promising rhythm.
Barcelona’s rhythm meets the international calendar
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Barcelona arrived at the break in strong form, but López said the pause inevitably interrupts work built on the training ground and in matches.
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He noted that some players face particularly demanding travel, highlighting Raphinha, who has been in outstanding form.
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“We always want to play as many matches as possible,” López said, while adding that the schedule needs serious reconsideration because players bear its consequences.
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has also criticised the three-week stoppage, and López accepted that it can cost a team some of its momentum.
Greater depth in Barcelona’s squad
López sees this season’s reinforcements as a decisive difference from last year, when Barcelona did not have as many alternatives available from the bench. He credited sporting director Deco with strengthening the group and said the arrivals have already been helping the team considerably.
That increased depth has brought direct competition for places. López and Dani Olmo are often alternatives in Hansi Flick’s selection, but the Spaniard described their relationship as excellent.
“We both understand what Barcelona is: there is competition,” he said. “The coach has the difficult task of choosing an eleven every weekend. Dani and I get on very well; he is one of the teammates I am closest to. The manager decides who plays, and we each try to give our best.”
Ambition, but no shortcuts towards Europe
Barcelona can discuss the Champions League, López said, but they should not get ahead of themselves. Echoing Rodri’s call for patience, he stressed that difficult spells will arrive even after a positive start.
The midfielder feels the side are steadily improving and hopes Barcelona can reach the competition’s latter stages, perform strongly and ultimately win it. For now, though, his message was to proceed one match at a time.
Gordon’s impact and Raphinha’s new role
Asked which of the new players had made the greatest impression, López chose Gordon. He already knew Rodri well, but said Gordon had surprised him after limited previous exposure.
López recalled facing Newcastle in the Champions League, though he had not watched many of Gordon’s matches. Since sharing a squad with him, he has been struck by the player’s quality and expects him to provide Barcelona with significant help.
Raphinha has also caught attention despite not being described as a new signing. López praised the Brazilian’s adaptation as a central striker, a role he had not previously played during his Barcelona spell.
With two forwards having departed, Raphinha has responded with goals. López said nobody expected the transition to work so well, though he underlined that scoring is a collective responsibility rather than one player’s burden.
“His move into the number nine position has been incredible,” López said. “He is at an incredible level, but everyone is trying to contribute goals.”
Fermín avoids a personal target
López is not setting himself a numerical goal tally for the campaign. People around him may mention figures, he said, but he prefers not to add pressure by dwelling on them.
His focus is on performing well and helping the side play well. If the goals follow, he will welcome them.
