Pedri believes strongly in Barcelona comeback vs Atletico Madrid – ‘Why can’t we do it again?’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will square off against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to overturn a 4-0 deficit and make it through to the finals of the Copa del Rey.

The Blaugrana were hammered 4-0 by Los Rojiblancos in the first leg of the semifinal last month at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and have a mountain to climb tomorrow.

But, Hansi Flick & co. have been boosted by the availability of key midfielder Pedri, who missed the first leg with injury, but is now ready to start.

Pedri believes in the comeback

Speaking on Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT) ahead of the game, Pedri reviewed Barcelona’s current situation and his own fitness.

“I’m looking forward to Tuesday. I can’t wait for the match to come around. I feel great. I want to keep playing and finding my form,” began the Canary Islander.

Talking about the Atletico Madrid encounter, the Spanish midfielder added: “Last year we came back from behind in many matches. We came back from two-goal deficits in 20 minutes, so why can’t we do it again?

“If there’s any team in the world capable of doing it, it’s us. We have that unconscious belief to keep going until the end because we’re a young squad.”

Pedri also sent a message to the Barcelona supporters, saying: “I’ll see you at the stadium. The atmosphere at the Wanda was good for them, and I think ours will be better at the Camp Nou. Trust us, we’ll get this done.”

Despite his confidence, Pedri was also critical of the team’s performance in the first leg, as he said:

“The first half was one of the worst we’ve played this season, if not the worst. With and without the ball, we didn’t do anything we’re used to doing. They ran all over us, but now we have a chance to turn it around.”

The key to Barcelona’s comeback chances. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The midfielder also spoke openly about Lamine Yamal and his impact on the team, stating:

“He’s normal, but he continues to surprise. He makes a big difference for his age. You see it as normal, but what he’s doing isn’t normal. I’m happy to be able to help him, to see him smile like he said in the interview, because that’s good for us.”

On his game and physical condition

Pedri is the man who dictates everything for Barcelona on the pitch, and his presence makes a big difference for the team, as was visible after he came on this past weekend against Villarreal.

Giving an insight into how he sees things on the field, the Spaniard acknowledged: “At the start of every match, I watch the opposing team, analyse them and see where we can find space, how they press and understand what the match requires.

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I try to anticipate what’s going to happen, to be a second ahead. If I have to use my body, I usually come off worse. You get more balls through intuition.”

As one of Barcelona’s standout players, he also analysed how to escape man-marking.

“‘It’s much more uncomfortable to play with someone sticking to you all the time. I usually try to get them out of position,” he explained.

“I’m a player who wants the ball, and when I have someone like that, I tell my teammates to try to pass it to me, and if they’re sticking to me, I’ll pass it back to them. I try to drive them a little crazy by moving around.”

Finally, Pedri made clear that he trusts his physical setbacks will not return in the remainder of the campaign, saying:

“Injuries are something that can happen in football. Last season was spectacular in that regard, but I knew that at some point they could happen. The important thing is to stop and enjoy the good times that are coming.”