RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Raphinha, Fermin react after Elche 0-5 Barcelona: ‘Whatever the manager asks of us, we will do’
Barcelona’s search for a new No. 9 has been one of the talking points surrounding the club this summer.
But on their first night back in La Liga, two players offered a timely reminder that Hansi Flick is not exactly short of attacking solutions.
Raphinha started through the middle against Elche and scored twice, while Fermin Lopez arrived in the box twice in the second half and did the same.
Between them, they scored four of Barcelona’s five goals in a dominant 5-0 win at the Martinez Valero , with Karim Adeyemi adding the other.
It does not mean Barcelona’s striker plans have suddenly disappeared. Raphinha himself was careful not to get involved in any debate over possible signings after the game.
Fermin, meanwhile, was simply happy to be back. After a difficult summer in which a foot injury, the midfielder made a strong start to a season he had been desperate to begin.
Raphinha refuses to get drawn into striker debate
The obvious question after the match was whether Barcelona still need to sign a traditional centre-forward.
Raphinha had just scored twice while playing centrally, but he was not interested in using his performance to make a point about the transfer market.
Raphinha scored a brace against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
“I’ll leave that to Deco, the chairman and the manager. As for us, whatever the manager asks of us, we’ll do it with great determination. We’re capable of adapting to any position,” said Raphinha.
Flick’s front line may not have had a conventional No. 9, but it never lacked movement or a presence in dangerous areas.
Raphinha also stressed that the ease of Barcelona’s win should not take anything away from their approach.
“I think whether the match is easy or difficult depends on us. If we start the match at the highest level from the very first minute, I think it becomes very easy.
“The opposition didn’t make it easy for us; this is a very difficult ground and they’re a side that likes to keep possession.
“We played very well from the start of the match and that made things easier for us,” he added.
Fermin returns after a difficult summer
If Raphinha answered questions about Barcelona’s attack, Fermin’s performance was a more personal statement.
The midfielder had missed the World Cup because of a foot injury and arrived at the start of the new campaign wanting to put a frustrating summer behind him.
Fermin Lopez was fantastic against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
He did that in emphatic fashion, scoring twice from his two attempts on target.
“I was really keen to get the year off to a good start. It’s been a tough summer for me.
“I’ve started well, to be honest, but I need to keep building up my rhythm a bit – I’m absolutely knackered,” said Fermin.
The midfielder was also asked about the club’s possible plans in the market and shared Raphinha’s views in the current Barcelona squad.
“We have confidence in Deco and the sporting management. Whatever they decide will be best for the team.
“It’s true that we have plenty of options within the squad and I think we’ve shown that today. These are things that are out of our hands and I’m sure they’ll do what’s best for the club.”
He also confirmed that “my foot’s fine now” and sent his best wishes to Gavi, whose injury remains a concern after the midfielder was forced off before half-time.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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