Former Barcelona coach questions Pedri’s role with Spain | OneFootball

Pedri remains one of Spain’s most important players, but not everyone is convinced he is being used in the best possible way at the 2026 World Cup.

Despite La Roja reaching the round of 32, the team’s performances have divided opinion, with several observers believing Spain have not yet reached the level they showed during their Euro 2024 triumph.

One of those voices is former Barcelona coach Quique Setien, who believes Pedri is far more influential at club level than he has been with the national team.

As quoted by SPORT, Setien said:

Barca’s system brings out the best in Pedri

Setien’s criticism centred on how Luis de la Fuente has used the Barcelona midfielder during the tournament.

Pedri started Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde as an attacking midfielder, a role that limited his influence on the game.

Although he returned to a deeper position against Saudi Arabia and looked far more comfortable, he was substituted after an hour against Uruguay despite Spain still searching for the winning goal.

Setien believes the issue is not Pedri’s form but the team’s structure around him.

He said:

“Rodri, Fabian or players who can play in that position lack the precision to play passes through such tight spaces when opponents sit deep.”

The former Barca manager also questioned Spain’s full-backs, adding:

“Llorente and Cucurella do not understand the position particularly well either. They get forward, but they struggle to find the passes and spaces because they play differently at their clubs. These are mechanisms you cannot change overnight.”

Under Hansi Flick, Pedri plays closer to the base of midfield, constantly receiving the ball and dictating the tempo. That role allows him to control matches rather than simply influence them.

Spain still have every chance of making a deep World Cup run, but unlocking Pedri consistently could be the key to doing so.