Pedri speaks following Barcelona 2-1 Deportivo Alaves: “I was not comfortable”

Barcelona hardly enjoyed a walk in the park against Alaves, as an early goal by the visitors forced Barcelona to spend the majority of the game trailing.

However, thanks to a second wind after proceedings and Lewandowski’s brace, Xavi’s men were able to march back to the dressing room at full-time with relieved faces.

Featuring in the line-up after a prolonged absence, Pedri started his first game since August and spoke to the club’s media in the post-match conference.

The Canary Islander acknowledged Alaves’ scorer, Samu Omorodion, who opened the floodgates in merely the 17th second of the game.

The Nigerian had various chances to extend his team’s lead after constantly causing problems for Barcelona in transition but faltered with his final touch.

“We knew Samu had that power in behind. He enters space well and with great force,” Pedri said.

A notable switch could be observed from the Catalan giants in the second half, and Pedri shed light on the words of his manager, who emphasized maintaining composure at the halftime break.

“Xavi told us at halftime to stay calm, that the goals would come,” the 20-year-old claimed.

Barcelona have started to formulate a growing habit of trailing early in the game and then having to claw their back up, which causes tension on the field. Pedri acknowledged the issue, stating:

“When the game starts to fall behind, you have to paddle against the current. It’s happened to us too many times this season.”

However, the Golden Boy winner did not undermine the value of the three points either, especially after the team was desperate to get back to winning ways.

“It was a complicated match against a very difficult opponent. We are happy for the 3 points.”

“We’re coming from a difficult result in the Champions League. We have to keep working and get 3 points in every single match,” he added.

Focusing on his own performance, Pedri admitted he was not at his best, with the Canary Islander visibly uncomfortable in the first half with regular dispossessions.

“In the first half, I was not comfortable. I was losing possession very often. I have to get into match rhythm again. In the second half it improved a little.” he said.