Pedri gives inside track on Barcelona managers and teammates – ‘It’s best not to make him angry’ | OneFootball

Barcelona and Spain star Pedri Gonzalez has given the lowdown on a number of his teammates and the managers that he has had in the Catalan capital, in his short but simultaneously storied career. The Euro 2024-winner has now been in Barcelona’s first team for half a decade, despite being just 22 years of age.

It was as a 17-ýear-old that Pedri began to make waves for Barcelona, impressing initially against Juventus in the Champions League, and quickly forming a relationship with Lionel Messi. He explained that he felt fortunate to play for the club that he supports, and that he had taken a lot from the likes of Messi, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto.

“I will always be grateful to Koeman for giving me my debut, trusting me when I was a nobody. Xavi helped us rekindle our enthusiasm, winning a league title that no one expected. He is also a club legend who helped us a lot and believed in young players,” he told Revista Barca, as quoted by Sport.

‘It’s best not to make him angry’ – Pedri on Hansi Flick

Image via Sport

On his current manager, Pedri confirmed that Hansi Flick fit the European stereotype of Germans.

“With Flick, we have taken another step forward in terms of competitiveness, aiming to fight for every title. He has that characteristic German seriousness. He’s serious when he needs to be, and when it’s time to laugh, he makes us laugh a lot. He usually takes things calmly, but it’s best not to make him angry,” he said with a smile.

Pedri on injuries – ‘They teach you to appreciate what you have’

Until two weeks ago, Pedri was on his longest run in years without picking up an injury, playing in 49 straight games.

“I’ve learned to control my body and know what it needs at any given moment. Injuries are tough, but they teach you to appreciate what you have.”

Reportedly, Pedri is running ahead of schedule in terms of his return from a hamstring problem. The Blaugrana star noted that Gavi had things to look forward to as he recovers from a second surgery in two years.

“He has to go through a very tough mental period: when you’re in the middle of an injury, all you see is that you’re sidelined and can’t play. But when you get out of that situation, you truly appreciate being healthy and enjoy a simple training session.”

Pedri gives lowdown on teammates

Describing Lamine Yamal as ‘very mature’, and noted that he was aware of his actions at all times. One figure who is a regular for public praise in Can Barca is Pedri’s midfield partner, Frenkie de Jong.

“Perhaps from the outside you don’t see how good Frenkie is, but he has incredible quality and a lot of power to break lines.”

Image via El Nacional

A more surprising stalwart this season has been Eric Garcia. The ex-Manchester City defender had barely played at this point last year, yet this season has been one of Flick’s most used options.

“Eric Garcia is one of the best centre-backs in the world at bringing the ball out from the back and can also play as a full-back, a defensive midfielder… Mentally he gives his all, he’s smart and knows how to position himself in the ideal place