FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri cleared up previous comments that were perceived as a criticism of his … [+] former coach Xavi Hernandez after another masterclass against Brest.
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FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri cleared up previous comments that were perceived as a criticism of his former coach Xavi Hernandez after another masterclass against Brest in the Champions League.
Coming off a loss and a draw in their last two games, the Catalans returned to winning ways on the continent with the number 8 as genius as ever when pulling the strings in the center of the park.
The Tenerife native seems to have put his injury-ridden days behind him, and in September seemed to suggest that this was because the team works “much harder than before” under Xavi’s successor Hansi Flick.
“The new fitness coaches that have come in are really good for us. We work hard and you notice it in the games,” he told Sports World.
“The team doesn’t dip after the 70th or 80th minute, it maintains the same fitness levels. We [the Spain internationals] arrived late [after the European Championship]but speaking with those at preseason from the start, they were really put through it. A lot of strength work, a lot of physical exercises.
“When we arrived, there was another final push until the games started. Now with La Liga underway it’s a little different,” Pedri added.
Almost three months later, Pedri took an opportunity to clear up what was perceived by many to be a dig at Xavi following the Brest win.
“We do different gym training, I don’t want to say that before we didn’t work as they have said, that I said with Xavi we didn’t work – it’s a lie,” Pedri said from the mixed zone in Montjuic.
“It’s just that we work in a different way, in a way that suits me, personally, much better and I’ve found that way of training with tires and different things that works better for me.”
As per a potential contract renewal Sporting Director Deco recently discussed, Pedri protested: “I still don’t know anything, I was focused on the game.”
“I’ll talk to my representatives, but I’m happy here and whatever has to happen, will happen.”
Unless Flick gives him a rest, Pedri is likely to start on Saturday for Barca in midfield against his first professional club Las Palmas.
With it appearing that he has overcome his muscle overload, right winger Lamine Yamal could also come off the bench at some point or even start.
