The Barcelona midfielder explained Xavi Hernandez’s model and tactics, also revealing what his coach is asking him to do on the pitch.
Pedri likes Barca’s football more
Pedri has clarified that he prefers Barcelona’s style of play over other philosophies that may dictate that winning is the priority, even if they are forced to play ugly to achieve it. The Barcelona midfielder explained Xavi Hernandez’s model and tactics, also revealing what his coach is asking him to do on the pitch. “I would try to play my game wherever I was, but I would indeed suffer more elsewhere,” Pedri told reporters. “Some clubs are satisfied with winning. However, they do it. Barcelona want to win but to do it by playing the ball, and creating chances, with this idea. I like this football more. Xavi has an obvious idea and model. He is very clear about what each of us have to do.”
Xavi is among many people who likened Pedri to former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta
“The inside midfielders must be between the lines; the ball moved from one side to the other. He tries to teach us the things he did when he played – and it was spectacular watching him. The interiors have to hold our position. If you get out of position, then when you lose the ball, you can’t press the way you need to: you won’t get there. He also wants the interiors to turn, face the opposition goal.” Xavi is among many people who likened Pedri to former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta. The Blaugrana youngster pointed out one of Iniesta’s virtues that he is fond of. “Iniesta always seemed to be a good person,” Pedri says.
Pedri is enjoying being on the pitch despite football becoming more robotic
“And he had that calmness to play simply, to make it easier than it is. The way he could leave someone behind with a gear shift always amazed me.” The Barcelona youngster also admitted that he is enjoying being on the pitch despite football becoming more robotic. “Recently, I think there has been a turn towards the player who runs more than the player who is technical, who understands the game,” added Pedri. “Football is becoming more robotic, but there are still those who break that rule. I still play to enjoy myself. I always do, and that’s the best thing a footballer can do. If you’re enjoying it, you’ll play much better.” After playing 73 games in the 2020/21 season, Pedri disputed just 12 LaLiga games last term due to injuries.
After the season was over, Luis Enrique didn’t call him up for Spain’s UEFA Nations League games to offer Pedri the opportunity to rest.” I love playing, but it’s good to rest,” Pedri declared. “It was crazy, and it seemed every game went to extra time too. Every time it happened, I thought, ‘This can’t be…’ It all went so fast, but I was exhausted at the end of the season.”