Speaking in an exclusive interview with 10 del Barça, Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez has claimed that he hopes to see manager Xavi Hernandez build a legacy at the club similar to what Sir Alex Ferguson did at Manchester United.
One of the greatest-ever managers, Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge at Manchester United for nearly three decades and took the club to great heights.
And when asked if he wants to see Xavi emulate the legendary Scotsman at Barcelona, young Fermin replied:
“I hope so. He was the one who gave me the confidence and the opportunity to be experiencing what I am experiencing and I am delighted.”
Discussing what it feels like playing under Xavi, he said: “I’ve watched Xavi since I was little and it’s a compliment that he speaks well of me. But I don’t try to believe it too much. I’m very grateful.”
Fermin, who made his first-team breakthrough at Barcelona this season, was asked about Xavi’s comments on how the media pressure influences and affects players, and said:
“They don’t influence, but in the end, things do reach you. But it’s one thing if they reach you and another if they influence you. What the mister says is that outside Barça there is a toxic environment that doesn’t help either.”
When asked to name a dream scenario for him to score for Barcelona, the La Masia ace replied: “I don’t know… In a Champions League final. Against Real Madrid? If it can be… If not, against any team.”
Fermin was then asked to name a player from Real Madrid whom he would sign for Barcelona, to which he said: “None of them. The best are here.”
On being asked to pick who among Gavi and Jude Bellingham is better, the Barça ace said: “That’s obvious,” referring to his fellow La Masia graduate.
When asked about his opinion about Gavi being branded an overly aggressive footballer, Fermin replied: “If that’s all you think, you’ve never seen him play, or you don’t know him. He has many qualities, he is a very important player for the team.”
Discussing his relationship with the teenage midfielder, Fermin added: “My best friend is Gavi. I get along with everyone, but Gavi is like my brother. The one who has helped me that most? Yes, when I was having a hard time.”
The 20-year-old was also asked to pick his favourite moment as a Barcelona supporter, to which he responded: “When Messi, Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi… were in the team… A match? The 5-0 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou, the one with Piqué’s goal, with Mourinho on the Madrid bench.”
Fermin also discussed the influence of veteran star Robert Lewandowski and the striker’s incident with Lamine Yamal on the pitch a few weeks ago, as he said:
“He’s impressive. He always tries to help, even though that thing with Lamine happened, but everyone tries to help especially those who have more experience like Robert or Gündogan, they help the young players a lot.
“Have I been told off by a veteran? When they have had to tell me something, obviously they have told me.”