Pedri's New Responsibilities at FC Barcelona
Extended until 2030, the Canary Islands midfielder spoke about his new deeper role in Barcelona's midfield and the impact of Hansi Flick on his development.
Pedri had more similarities with Xavi, his former coach, but he has built a strong connection with Flick. “We understood each other from the first conversation,” although he admitted that their first exchange was not easy, as he does not speak English well and the German coach prefers to communicate in that language without being fluent in Spanish.
Despite the language barrier, communication flowed on the pitch. Flick made his role clear: “He asked me to push forward and control the midfield,” Pedri explained, and he has embraced this task with great confidence. Beyond his stats (4 goals and 6 assists across all competitions), his influence on Barcelona’s play is undeniable. “I really like this position because I touch the ball more, the game flows through me, and I feel more comfortable. I've also learned to position myself better defensively,” he noted.
His improved performance is also due to Flick’s methodology, which has helped him feel "lighter" and reduce his risk of injuries—an issue that affected him in previous seasons. With 35 appearances in 36 matches, he has already surpassed his participation from last season. “I prefer to play because when I stop for a week or two, my body takes longer to recover,” the Spaniard revealed.
More consistent and physically fit, Pedri has taken on a leadership role in a rejuvenated squad. “Because of my experience in the team, I should be one of the leaders. I like that role and want to help Barça win titles,” he stated. Tonight, against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona will look to match Real Madrid on points and overtake them at the top of the table thanks to a superior goal difference.