After starring with two goals in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia, Fermin Lopez has insisted he "never had any doubts" about rejecting a summer move to Chelsea. The Premier League side made an attempt to sign the midfielder but he was convinced to stay as the club stood firm on their €90 million (£78m/$106m) valuation for the Spanish international.
The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.
Barcelona ran riot against Valencia as they defeated their domestic rivals 6-0 in La Liga on Sunday. Coach Hansi Flick praised the team's performance, highlighting winger Roony Bardghji's mentality as he dropped Raphinha and gave the Swedish winger a start ahead of Raphinha, who was reportedly dropped as a disciplinary measure after arriving late for a pre-match activation session.
Fermin Lopez stole the day while Raphinha and Robert Lewandoswki struck a devastating brace off the bench each to brush aside Valencia 6-0, as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga. La Blaugrana put on a true five-star display as the visitors were put to the sword.
Barcelona’s Camp Nou return faces fresh uncertainty as a club official admitted the paperwork delays could push the comeback beyond their new target.
Barcelona have confirmed that their iconic Camp Nou will not be ready to host their upcoming La Liga fixture against Valencia on Sunday, September 14. With construction delays and pending licenses causing significant setbacks, Hansi Flick's men will instead be forced to play at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, the 6,000-capacity ground primarily used by the club's B team and women's side.
Valencia winger Diego Lopez has slammed the uncertainty over Barcelona’s home venue as the club await approval to re-open Camp Nou.
Barcelona are finally set to learn the final decision on their plans to return to Camp Nou plans ahead of Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Valencia.
Barcelona expect to be given the go-ahead to play their first home match at Camp Nou in two years after being given the necessary permit.
