Barcelona’s defeat to Las Palmas continues to cast a shadow over the dressing room, with midfielder Fermin Lopez being one of the players most criticized after the setback.
Lopez impressed under Xavi Hernandez last season, but with Hansi Flick’s arrival as coach, the youngster’s performances have fallen short of expectations, raising doubts about his ability to establish himself in the team.
Fermin Lopez became one of the rising stars in Spanish football after playing a key role in the team that won gold at the Paris Olympics. His ability to lead play, his precise passing, and his courage in midfield have caught the eye of many within the club, making him a top bet for the future. Under Xavi, Lopez was given a prominent role and enjoyed the coach’s full confidence.
However, with Hansi Flick now at the helm, things have changed. The German coach, who aims to implement a more organized and physical style of play, does not seem to see the qualities in Fermin Lopez that his system requires. So far, the player’s season has been modest, falling short of the expectations set by his previous performances.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, in Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas, Fermin Lopez started but his performance was below the level required by the club. In a match where the team needed creativity and vitality in midfield, the young player failed to provide solutions or make an impact. He lost possession in critical areas and did not show the strength needed to compete at the highest level.
Lopez’s performance did not go unnoticed by Hansi Flick, who indicated at the end of the match that the players’ performances must improve in order to return to the winning path.
According to internal sources, the German coach began to doubt whether Fermin Lopez has the necessary level to remain in the first team, or if it would be more appropriate to loan him out or sell him to make room for other players. Under Xavi Hernández, Fermin López was a favorite, with the coach valuing his ability to adapt to multiple roles in midfield. However, things have changed now, and with Flick at the helm, the youngsters in the squad will have to prove themselves in every game to earn a starting spot.
At 21, Fermin López is at a crucial stage in his career, where he needs to work hard to regain the coach’s trust and prove that he can be an important part of Barcelona’s future. At the same time, the club and its fans will hope that this promising talent does not get lost in the challenges ahead.