It does not mean Barcelona\u2019s striker plans have suddenly disappeared. Raphinha himself was careful not to get involved in any debate over possible signings after the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Raphinha refuses to get drawn into striker debate<\/p>\n
The obvious question after the match was whether Barcelona still need to sign a traditional centre-forward.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"Raphinha,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/elche-cf-v-fc-barcelona-laliga-ea-sports-2026-27-6-1024x702.jpg\")
Raphinha scored a brace against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll leave that to Deco, the chairman and the manager. As for us, whatever the manager asks of us, we\u2019ll do it with great determination. We\u2019re capable of adapting to any position,\u201d said Raphinha.<\/p>\n
Flick\u2019s front line may not have had a conventional No. 9, but it never lacked movement or a presence in dangerous areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Raphinha also stressed that the ease of Barcelona\u2019s win should not take anything away from their approach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opposition didn\u2019t make it easy for us; this is a very difficult ground and they\u2019re a side that likes to keep possession.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe played very well from the start of the match and that made things easier for us,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Fermin returns after a difficult summer<\/p>\n
If Raphinha answered questions about Barcelona\u2019s attack, Fermin\u2019s performance was a more personal statement.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/elche-cf-v-fc-barcelona-laliga-ea-sports-2026-27-7-1-1024x682.jpg\")
Fermin Lopez was fantastic against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
He did that in emphatic fashion, scoring twice from his two attempts on target.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was really keen to get the year off to a good start. It\u2019s been a tough summer for me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve started well, to be honest, but I need to keep building up my rhythm a bit \u2013 I\u2019m absolutely knackered,\u201d said Fermin.<\/p>\n
The midfielder was also asked about the club\u2019s possible plans in the market and shared Raphinha\u2019s views in the current Barcelona squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have confidence in Deco and the sporting management. Whatever they decide will be best for the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s true that we have plenty of options within the squad and I think we\u2019ve shown that today. These are things that are out of our hands and I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll do what\u2019s best for the club.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He also confirmed that \u201cmy foot\u2019s fine now\u201d and sent his best wishes to Gavi, whose injury remains a concern<\/a> after the midfielder was forced off before half-time.<\/p>\n