Pedri talks Yamal, Nico Williams, Olmo, Lewandowski, Raphinha, injuries

Pedri is enjoying a fine start to the new season at FC Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick.

The midfielder has been one of the key figures behind the Catalans’ perfect start to the campaign, with the team winning four in four to sit atop the La Liga standings.

Now away with the Spanish national team, the 21-year-old prodigy sat down for an interview with El Mundo, during which he discussed a plethora of topics, including his injury ordeals and fitness levels, and his teammates.

On success with Spain

Pedri won the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, even though he had to miss the semi-finals and the finals through injury. But the youngster is now focused on tasting more success in the UEFA Nations League.

“We won the European Championship, but that’s over and now we have to go and win the Nations League again,” he said.

Discussing the camaraderie in the Spain NT dressing room, Pedri highlighted Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams as two players with whom he has a lot of fun, saying:

“With Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, we have a lot of fun….”

At the same time, he named Ferran Torres as someone who ‘annoys’ him, adding: “There are some who do. Ferri [Ferran Torres] gives me a lot of grief, but I put up with it.”

On the team

Pedri finds himself playing in a new setup under manager Hansi Flick, taking up a new position in the double pivot, something that he has adapted very well to.

While Barça are adapting to a new style of play, the midfielder believes that the ‘Barça way’ still exists in the team, saying:

“It will always exist. We are still in control of the game, we have the players to do that, although with nuances, such as going more into space.”

Discussing whether forwards like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are more happy in the current setup, he added:

“The attackers like to run, get more chances and feel much more comfortable.”

Pedri also admitted that he enjoys playing with new signing Dani Olmo and that he talked to his compatriot about joining Barcelona during the summer.

“Before his arrival, I wrote to Dani Olmo to come to Barcelona. I wanted to play with him,” he said.

Imparting some advice on the young talents that are coming through, the 21-year-old added: “I tell them to be themselves on the pitch, that they don’t have to look up to anyone.”

On his injury ordeal

In his short career at the highest level, Pedri has had to live through many injuries already, the latest one of which happened at the Euros in the quarter-final clash against Germany.

Reminiscing what went through his mind when he suffered the injury, Pedri said: “It’s true that at that moment I thought why did it all happen to me, what bad luck.

“But then I was left with a comment they made to me that I should look on the bright side, because it was a fortuitous move and when I was physically strong. I took it that way, knowing that as soon as I recovered I would be back to 100%.”

On the things that he focused on during his downtime, the midfielder remarked: “My family always. But I’ve tried a lot of things, pilates, ice baths in the morning…

“I know my body better because I started very young and, whether you like it or not, that shows. Now I’ve found something that suits me very well.”

In a recent interview, Pedri claimed that he feels he is currently in the best shape ever physically in his career. Explaining the reasons behind that, he said:

With the specific work of Julio [Tous] at Barça, strength training with rubber bands, pulleys, etc., I feel very good.

“Then I continue to do pilates, although my teacher is now injured and can’t give classes, and I continue with the hyperbaric chamber, cold water in the mornings, we control sleep… These are things that we have been adding to our routine.”