Pedri talks Xavi, Flick, Koeman, UCL final against Real Madrid – ‘I have nothing against him’ | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has opened up about various topics surrounding his career, including his relationship with Xavi, his admiration for Hansi Flick, and the coach who gave him his big break, Ronald Koeman.

One of the major talking points regarding Pedri last season was speculation that Xavi had considered him expendable due to his frequent injuries. However, the young midfielder firmly dismissed those claims.

“Nobody talked to me about what they wanted to sell me, I was clear that it was a temporary situation with injuries and that I wanted to stay,” he began saying.

Despite rumours suggesting friction between him and Xavi, Pedri made it clear that there was no bad blood.

“I have a good relationship with Xavi, they always say that I throw darts at him in the press and it’s a lie, I have a good relationship, I have nothing against him,”

Praising Flick’s transformational impact

Pedri praised Hansi Flick. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The Barcelona midfielder also spoke about the differences between Xavi and Hansi Flick, particularly the tactical shift under the German coach. His words, however, were not meant as a criticism of Xavi’s tenure.

“When you say that now we train differently, everyone says that it is to sink or crush Xavi’s work, and it is not like that.

“Now the team is flying, pressing in the front line for 90 minutes and this has been brought by Flick and that is what has changed,” Pedri explained.

He also highlighted Flick’s dual personality—strict when required but also capable of creating a light-hearted atmosphere within the squad.

“He is a serious coach, like a true German. But when it comes to having fun and joking around, he’s often the first one to do so.”

Koeman: the coach who changed everything

Pedri will soon reunite with Ronald Koeman in Spain’s upcoming Nations League match against the Netherlands, and he didn’t hold back his appreciation for the Dutchman.

Pedri had nothing but kind words for Ronald Koeman. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“I’m looking forward to seeing Koeman, he gave me the opportunity and trusted me,” he recalled.

The midfielder reminisced about the moment Koeman called him into his office, a conversation that would change his life.

“I remember when he called me to my office and told me that I was staying on the team. Yes, I was afraid, I didn’t know if he was going to tell me to go home.”

UCL final against Real Madrid

Like many of his teammates, Pedri didn’t shy away from the idea of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

“Yes, I would sign it, because it would mean that we would be in the final. I don’t think we have to be afraid of anyone. And that would mean that we are in the final, and I would sign it,” he said with confidence.

With Barcelona improving under Flick and Pedri regaining his best form, the dream of taking on their biggest rivals on the biggest stage in club football is one that Culers would love to see become reality.

Source: Mundo Deportivo