Ex-Barcelona youth coach overjoyed after midfielder stays at club amid interest – ‘Sends a great message’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona Juvenil A coach Oscar Lopez, the last mentor to guide Fermin Lopez in his youth development, continues to keep a close eye on Barça’s present.

While preparing for his own journey into professional coaching, he remains deeply connected to the progress of La Masia talents.

In a recent conversation with SPORT, Oscar Lopez was firm about one key point that Fermin’s continuity at Barça is non-negotiable.

He confirmed that the midfielder has turned down offers, showing his loyalty to the club.

“I would never contemplate a sale of a player like Fermin or any other homegrown player who is performing well in the first team.

“I don’t care about the price and if there is a need, maybe we would have to sell one or two players but never Fermin, Casado, Gavi or any of the other La Masia players consolidated in the elite”.

Why Fermin matters so much to Barça

Fermin has decided to stay. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

For Lopez, this stance is not driven by mere sentiment. He explained, “These players who have already shown their level in the first team will always give us an extra commitment and feeling that helps us compete and win.

“Those who come from abroad can be very good but it is very difficult for them to offer you what a Fermin, Casado, Lamine or Cubarsi gives.”

On Fermin’s future, Lopez believes the midfielder’s decision not to leave the club is a huge boost for Barcelona.

“First of all, I understand that it is logical that big clubs want to sign him because he is very good.

“I am even surprised that they have not tried it before, but I think it is great news for Barça that Fermin continues at the club. Barça would lose a lot without a player of his characteristics.”

Having coached Fermin for three seasons, Lopez feels proud of his role in shaping him.

“I have coached him for three seasons, and I feel very proud to have collaborated in his training.

“When he was a youth player, all that was missing was for him to be accompanied by his physique so that he could perform as he does now.”

Qualities that make Fermin special

He recalled his development from cadet A to Juvenil A. “Fermin then had a hard time shooting from outside the area, but nature is wise and over time it has given him the tools he lacked to be differential.”

Oscar Lopez has nothing but praise for Fermin. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Highlighting Fermin’s strengths, Lopez was full of admiration.

“The best thing about Fermin is his ability to move on his axis between the lines, how he positions himself and the timing he has to arrive, assist and score”.

He was equally clear about his standing in the squad. “In my opinion, he is a player who is an undisputed starter for the first team. I think his level is undeniable.”

But he also pointed to one area for improvement. “In my opinion, Fermin only needs to be less revolutionised without the ball.

“People like it a lot when they run a lot and give their all, but without the ball, I would like him to run less and better.”

This, however, was not meant as criticism. “Fermin has always given everything in all the minutes he has, and with more experience.

“Over the years, he will learn to know how to regulate himself a little and run better when he loses the ball. Now, he does it with his heart and he is learning to do it with his head.”

Good news

For Lopez, Fermin’s renewal is not just good news for Barcelona but also for La Masia’s younger players.

“His continuity is a great message for all the boys at La Masia who have to look at players like Casado or Fermin who have had to work very hard to get there.”

When asked whether academy youngsters should instead look at a unique talent like Lamine Yamal, Lopez smiled before concluding.

“Lamine is a world apart since players like this are born every 30 or 40 years,” he concluded.