According to Hansi Flick, Spanish midfielder Pedri is feeling increasingly important within the team.
Pedri’s performances on the pitch have been turning heads, but the Barcelona coach wants even more from him. Hansi Flick envisions the young Spaniard as a leader for the team, a responsibility that has made Pedri feel even more significant.
Pedri joined Barcelona in 2020 at just 17 years old. Over time, he has become one of the club’s most crucial players, establishing himself as the backbone of the Catalan side’s midfield.
So far, Pedri has played 210 matches across all competitions for Barcelona. Alongside scoring 27 goals, he has directly assisted 21 more. This season, he has started all eight of the club’s matches, finding the net against Levante in La Liga.
Last season, Pedri played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup victories. Across 59 games in all competitions, he scored six goals and provided eight assists. In the Copa del Rey final, he opened the scoring as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2.
Barcelona began this season’s Champions League with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United and will face reigning champions PSG at home in their second match on Wednesday.
During a press conference the day before, Pedri joined coach Flick, where he discussed the expectations placed on him.
“The coach told me that he wants me to step up—not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room as well. It’s challenging for me because I joined this team at a very young age. But his words make me feel more important, and I will try my best to take on this responsibility,” said the 22-year-old midfielder.
Flick later praised Pedri enthusiastically:
“He has improved a lot, and everyone can see his performance with the ball. It’s important for a team to have several leaders; it’s part of the captain’s role.”
