Fermin Lopez discusses Xavi’s influence and upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid: ‘They hurt us last season’

Fermin Lopez discusses Xavi’s influence and upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid: ‘They hurt us last season’ Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has discussed his remarkable rise into the first team, the influence of former manager Xavi Hernandez and the challenges awaiting the Catalans against Atletico Madrid .  In an interview with Mundo Deportivo , the 23-year-old also reflected on his growing market value, explaining why financial valuations mean little to him despite recognising them as an acknowledgement of his performances. Fermin’s journey has been particularly impressive considering his earlier loan spell at Linares.  Having initially struggled to establish himself in Barcelona’s senior setup, he has developed into an important attacking midfielder under Hansi Flick. Fermin explains why market value means little to him During the interview, Fermin was asked whether he had ever imagined reaching a market valuation of €110 million when he was playing for Linares.  The question also referenced Harry Kane’s €60 million valuation despite his Ballon d’Or success. “No, never. I’ve always said so. When I went out on loan, I never imagined I’d end up at Barça, let alone think about these things and these statistics. Fermin Lopez says he has nothing but respect for Xavi. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) “But at the end of the day, they’re just numbers: that Harry Kane has won a Ballon d’Or and is valued at 60 million, whilst I’m valued at 110 million. “It’s also nice to see your work recognised, but ultimately they’re just numbers and things I can’t control. It doesn’t really bother me much either.” Barcelona midfielder credits Xavi for his development Fermin also acknowledged the importance of Xavi in his transition from an academy prospect to a first-team footballer.  The former Barcelona manager gave him his senior breakthrough in 2023 and encouraged him to express his natural qualities. “I’m very grateful to Xavi because he gave me the chance to break into the first team and, above all, he helped give me the confidence to play my own game and develop my own style. “I think during my first spell with him I was a bit green, but he gave me the confidence to develop that style and showcase my qualities on the pitch.” Fermin recalls painful Atletico Madrid elimination Attention then turned to Barcelona’s upcoming encounter with Atletico Madrid.  Fermin acknowledged the significance of the fixture, particularly after Atletico eliminated the Catalans from both the Copa del Rey and Champions League last season. “We’re not particularly looking forward to it. At the end of the day, it’s just another match, but we know it’s important – they hurt us last season, knocking us out twice. “We know they’re a great side who’ll make life very difficult for us. We’ll have to get every detail right, play our own game, and hopefully win there, as it would be a crucial victory to take us to the top of the table.” The midfielder also recalled the painful injury he suffered during Barcelona’s previous visit to the Metropolitano, when a split lip required stitches and forced him off. “Yes, along with the one against Inter, that one is also among the most painful – the blow itself, which required stitches and hurt a lot – and above all because we were knocked out. “What hurt the most was that, and the fact that if that shot had gone in (his effort against Musso that left him injured), it might have been a different match. “You start thinking about all sorts of things. It wasn’t a good moment, but you learn from everything,” he concluded.