Barcelona star sets out personal fitness plan after starring in World Cup final | OneFootball

Pedri will not spend his entire post-World Cup break away from football, with the FC Barcelona midfielder already planning an individual training programme before returning to Hansi Flick’s squad.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 23-year-old will initially spend one week away on safari before returning to the Canary Islands, where he will work alongside a trusted fitness coach to prepare for the new season.

Pedri signs off with World Cup final masterclass

The carefully managed programme comes after Pedri finished a demanding World Cup in impressive fashion, producing one of his best performances of the tournament when Spain needed control against Argentina.

Introduced for Fabian Ruiz, the Barca midfielder played 58 minutes and immediately helped Spain take greater control of possession. He completed 93 per cent of his passes and created four chances, more than any other player in the final.

Despite losing his starting position following the last-16 victory over Portugal and playing limited minutes against Belgium and France, Pedri still finished the tournament with a Spain-high 13 chances created.

It was a fitting reminder of his quality. When a game becomes tense and possession needs protecting, there are few players Barcelona would rather have dictating the rhythm.

Pedri is not expected to simply rest for three weeks before reporting back to Flick.

Previous physical studies indicated that his body responds better to continuous but carefully regulated exercise rather than long periods of complete inactivity. His personal programme is therefore designed to keep him active without placing unnecessary strain on his body after an exhausting season and World Cup.

For Barcelona, that balance is hugely important.

Pedri has become fundamental to Flick’s midfield, and keeping him physically available throughout the campaign will be just as important as anything Barca do in the transfer market.

The midfielder now returns as a world champion, but his ambitions at club level remain unfinished. After winning another La Liga title last season, the Champions League is the obvious next target.

Barcelona will give Pedri the rest he has earned. However, even during his holidays, one of Flick’s most important players is already preparing for what comes next.