Barcelona’s Pedri talks Gavi, Dembele, Lewandowski, Torres, Ansu, Vinicius, Ballon d’Or, title ambitions.
At Barcelona, Pedri is off to a fantastic start to the 2022–23 season. The 19-year-old has started out well this season after having a challenging season last time around owing to injury, and he is making great strides towards being one of the greatest in Europe.
In a recent interview with SPORT, the young prodigy discussed the successful start to the new campaign, saying: “We have had a wonderful start. Both Madrid and we have had strong starts, and the new players bring a lot to the table, as evidenced on the field.
In regards to the challenging stretch for him and the team last season, Pedri continued, “I think it was a difficult season. Although we did meet our midseason goals, it was difficult for me personally.
Speaking about the lessons he discovered following the difficult period in the previous campaign, he said: “When you are hurt, you think about many things… relating to your injury and what you can change to get better.
I’ve made changes to my routine, both within and outside of my employment as a football player. “I work a lot on my physical shape; I still have room for improvement, but I’m making progress toward my objectives,” I said.
Also speaking about his efforts to score more goals, Pedri said: “Against Bayern I missed chances that I can’t miss… I’m working incredibly hard to make sure I don’t blow easy opportunities in games to come. This is not acceptable.
He continued, “I really want to [score],” as he awaited his first goal for the Spanish national team. I’ve played 12 games, and I truly want to add my grain of sand by having it come. If not, I wish to work extremely hard and offer assistance.
Goal celebrations have been the subject of considerable debate in Spain as a result of Vinicius Jr.’s post-goal dancing routine drawing criticism. Since then, the Brazilian has received racial abuse, and the problem has become really serious.
Pedri responded, “I dedicate my celebration to my father,” when asked if he enjoys dancing to rejoice. Everyone is free to celebrate whatever they wish.
When asked about Vinicius’ predicament, Pedri responded, “Let everyone do what they want without being disrespectful to others. I don’t want to be engaged in controversy. There you go.
There have recently been rumors that Barcelona will replace its captains for the upcoming season, with Pedri being one of them. When asked how it felt to be in charge, the Spaniard replied:
“I don’t think of myself as a leader; I just work hard every day to accomplish the job. I merely like football. Playing is more enjoyable, thus things go more smoothly.
He spoke of the burden of representing Barcelona and Spain: “All the teams have improved. The national team and Barça are constantly under pressure. We must endeavor to maintain our composure and enjoy the game.
Regarding his goals for the club and country this year, Pedri continued, “We have a fantastic national team, a good squad with Barça, we play the style of game I like, and we can win titles. We’ll attempt to. We will battle tooth and nail for everything.
After a sensational 2021, Pedri took home the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award last year. The Barcelona wonderkid responded when asked if he has future aspirations of winning the Ballon d’Or:
“I sincerely hope I get the chance, but it’s incredibly difficult. I still have a lot to learn and grow in, therefore you have to be the best in the world.
Pedri and Robert Lewandowski, who was just signed by Barcelona, have a great relationship, and Pedri has recently praised him. In response to a question on his comprehension of the Poland international, the young man said:
He’s crazy and brings a lot… He’s an automaton. Working with him is fantastic; he supports everyone, whether they are new to the company or have been a part of it for a while.
In response to comparisons to the famed trio of Xavi, Busquets, and Iniesta and his midfield partnership with Sergio Busquets and Gavi, Pedri said: “It’s crazy to be compared to those players. For a long time, Xavi and Iniesta were the best. Gavi and I still have a lot to learn, and Busi is teaching us as well.
“Gavi has a big potential to stay with us for many years to come,” he continued to compliment Gavi.
When asked how he felt about the challenging circumstance that older teammates Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are facing this semester, he responded, “They are both excellent; they always help the youth; they give us advise. They have a lot to offer the squad in addition to their quality.
“He knows he can come back to his best, he is training hard, and he has the qualities to play for Barça,” Pedri said of Ansu Fati’s route to recovery from injuries. I always advise him to be composed and focus.
He was also questioned about Ferran Torres and whether or not he thought that the 22-year-critics old’s were sometimes too harsh. “I’ve had a terrific friendship with Ferran Torres since we met, we usually laugh a lot,” Pedri replied in response.
“People talk about him a lot. Ferran exudes a great deal of self-assurance, performs exceptionally well, works hard in the gym, and possesses extraordinary skills. He offers us a lot.
The Spaniard remarked of Ousmane Dembele, “He always surprises me. On the day his daughter was born, we learned he was going to become a parent.
“Dembele is a master of the ball. Few people in the world are able to perform like he does. He makes everyone around him happy by constantly laughing. He’s hilarious,” Pedri continued.
Before concluding, Pedri believed that Barcelona could go off against Real Madrid head-to-head if they kept up their current winning ways. Given the length of the season, Madrid could drop points at any time.
