Step by step - Barca Chief on UCL draws & fresh update on Fermin Lopez to Chelsea

Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste represented the Catalan giants at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday, where Barça were handed a challenging path with group-stage ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Reacting to the draw, Yuste emphasised the club’s determination while maintaining respect for their opponents.

“It’s already an honor for us to be in this event, which is the best competition in the world. We’ll have to work, work, and work with humility to fight for what all culés yearn for, to win the Champions League,” he said.

The Barça chief added that the team must remain focused, “We respect each opponent enormously, and as Flick says, we’ll give it our all, step by step. Only by staying concentrated can we achieve our goal.”

Yuste was also quizzed about growing speculation around Fermín López, who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea.

Reports in Spain claim Barcelona have set a €90 million valuation for the midfielder amid serious interest from the Premier League club.

He added, “[Fermín?] He’s a Barça player. Fermín has a contract with the club and we’re very happy with him.”

While Barça remain determined to keep hold of their rising star, it remains unclear whether López will line up in Blaugrana colors or face his current club when Barcelona and Chelsea clash in Europe’s elite competition.