Fermin Lopez on Real Madrid's referee complaints: "The referee narrative is getting tiring"

Dani Olmo's injury opens the door for Fermin Lopez to take ownership of Barcelona's attacking midfield role in the coming weeks. The academy product faces Sunday's Clasico with the responsibility of replacing one of the team's most creative players and, at the same time, sends a direct message to the eternal rival: Real Madrid's noise about referees brings nothing to the table.

• Fermin Lopez will play almost every minute until the international break after Dani Olmo's injury.
• The Andalusian midfielder insists that in a Clasico "there are no favorites".
• He believes Real Madrid's referee narrative "is getting tiring".
• The academy graduate praises Courtois and Mbappe but backs Barcelona's collective strength.

Dani Olmo's injury makes Fermin Lopez a guaranteed starter

Dani Olmo's physical setback forces Hansi Flick to reshape Barcelona's attack. Fermin Lopez, who had been sharing minutes with the Spanish international in the attacking midfield position, now becomes the German coach's first choice. The situation is clear: until the next international break, the Huelva-born player will feature in practically every game, starting with Sunday's Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

What Fermin Lopez expects from the Real Madrid vs Barcelona Clasico

Fermin analyzed the match with the calmness of someone who knows the demands of the stage. For the midfielder, games of this magnitude do not understand favoritism. "We are two great teams and we have to focus on playing our game and controlling emotions and small details," he told Teledeporte. The academy product's message points to a clear idea: Barcelona must impose their style without getting carried away by the atmosphere.

In a match like this there are no favorites, anyone can win

Fermin Lopez fires back at Real Madrid's referee narrative

The controversy surrounding match officials has followed Real Madrid throughout the season. The club's reactions after controversial refereeing decisions have generated constant noise that, according to Fermin, no longer has any mileage. The Barcelona player was blunt when assessing the situation: "This narrative is getting tiring, because on the pitch we are showing the level we have."

The midfielder considers it unfair to enter that debate when things are going well for Barcelona. He, for his part, prefers to stay on the sidelines. "I don't like getting into that controversy, and neither does anyone in the squad," he said firmly. On the rival's attitude, he added that everyone chooses their own path: "We have to follow ours, and if they want to get into that narrative, it must be working for them."

Courtois and Mbappe, the biggest threats for Barcelona

When it came to highlighting the dangers of the Madrid side, Fermin did not hesitate to name two key figures. Thibaut Courtois, for his ability to keep the team alive from goal, and Kylian Mbappe, for his match-winning quality in attack. "Courtois earns a lot of points and makes many saves, and Mbappe is a difference-maker. If I could, I would take both of them out," he joked with a smile.

However, the academy graduate underlined the depth of the Madrid squad. Real Madrid have top-class players in every line, so Barcelona's key will be to stay compact as a unit. "Madrid have very good players and we have to control all of them as a team," he concluded.

Fermin Lopez's role in Flick's new setup

With Olmo out of action, the German coach needs a player who combines late runs into the box with pressing after losing possession. Fermin fits that profile perfectly. His energy, his reading of space and his ability to arrive from the second line make him a key piece for the Clasico. The match at the Bernabeu will be his biggest test as an undisputed starter.