Pedri talks Flick, Lamine, Raphinha, Mbappe, Messi, Camp Nou return, injury, strongest European team | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been sidelined since late October, after suffering an injury during the El Clasico against Real Madrid. 

Notably, he sustained a distal hamstring tear in his left leg, an injury that immediately ruled him out of action and forced him into yet another frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Now approaching full fitness, the Barcelona midfielder has spoken to Esquire about his recovery, the pain of El Clasico, the club’s ambitions, and the impact of Hansi Flick since arriving at Barcelona.

Reflecting on that dramatic Clasico night, Pedri was asked what hurt him the most – the defeat, the injury, the red card, or all of it combined. 

His response captured the emotional weight of the occasion. “To be honest, everything,” he began.

He then explained why the night was especially difficult on a personal level, adding,

“Losing is always the most painful, but being sent off too, especially as it was the first time in my career.”

Pedri admitted that the injury itself was not immediately obvious to him during the match, but the reality hit him later.

“As for the injury, I wasn’t aware of it at the time; when I found out later, of course, it bothered me a lot.”

Barcelona’s chances

Pedri was sent off against Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite that setback and the Clasico defeat, Barcelona remain firmly in the title race. 

With memories of last season’s recovery still fresh, Pedri was asked whether he believes Barça can lift the league trophy again.

“Why not? It won’t be easy at all, but I hope we can repeat last season’s domestic treble and also win the Champions League.”

Turning his attention to Europe, Pedri was asked about UEFA’s revamped Champions League format. He offered a balanced view before making his preference clear.

“I can’t say 100% which is better, this format or the previous one.

“But if I had to choose, I prefer the new one. There are more games between the big teams in the first phase,” he noted.

When discussing Europe’s strongest sides, the midfielder highlighted several heavyweights.

“PSG, the current champions. Arsenal is also a very strong team. And I’d always include City and Real Madrid among the contenders. 

“One team I see as strong, and that has pleasantly surprised me, is Sporting Lisbon.”

On injury and Hansi Flick

Pedri has praised Hansi Flick’s influence. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

On his recovery, Pedri struck an optimistic tone. “I feel good, very good. 

“I did a good job recovering, and these past few weeks have also allowed me to disconnect and recharge.”

He also underlined how important Flick’s arrival has been for the squad’s mentality.

“Very important. I think that, within the club, in terms of professionalism, he’s changed many things. He’s instilled a certain German character.

“He’s always helping us, giving us advice, especially tactically; in that defensive line we implemented last season, which many people didn’t expect. 

Pedri even offered a lighter insight into the dressing room dynamic, revealing,“Lamine is the DJ in both [Barcelona and Spain] dressing rooms. They play all kinds of music.”

Camp Nou return and World Cup

Pedri named the players he would love to face. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On returning to Camp Nou, he admitted mixed emotions.

“I really wanted to, although it feels strange because I played in the old Camp Nou and now it’s about to be demolished, with cranes and everything. 

“But for me, it’s the best stadium in the world.”

Finally, when asked about facing friends on the international stage and the players he most wants to compete against, Pedri was clear.

“On the field, everyone fights for what they want. No matter what team they’re on, and no matter how close a friend they are.

Lastly, he went on to name a few players he thinks are currently the best in the sport.

“Mbappe, Lamine, Salah, Haaland, Raphinha, and Julian Alvarez are the best in the world. 

“I want to face all of them, except Lamine, who plays with us. Especially Haaland and Salah, because I haven’t faced them yet,” he concluded.

Speaking of Camp Nou, he was also asked about Lionel Messi’s unannounced visit, to which he said, “[I came to know] through social media, because it started popping up everywhere.

“It was hard not to see it. I wish we could have met up for a bit.”

And when asked if he would love to play alongside the club legend, he admitted, “Of course, without a doubt.

“He’s the best ever, and he helped me a lot the year we were together.”