Pedri talks Messi, Koeman and playing for the national team

Barcelona starlet Pedri just does not seem to get any respite from the spotlight, as El Larguero heard from the talented youngster once again while he trains with the Spanish national side ahead of the upcoming Euros.

After a stellar debut season for Barcelona, the 18-year old has already made his senior international debut and has earned a call-up to Luis Enrique’s Spain squad ahead of the prestigious tournament, the buildup to which is well and truly underway.

Pedri took an early leave after playing more games than any other player for Barcelona throughout the course of the 2020-21 season, evolving into a crucial presence in the Catalans’ midfield. Days later, he joined the Spain camp and has now talked about how things have been going for him this season.

On the pressure and criticism of playing for the national team, he said: “I’m not one to put celinings on myself, I always try to improve day by day. In the national team and at Barça I have many teammates to look at. What the press says I don’t care. The criticisms I prefer to listen to them, you learn from them.”

About the similarities between playing for Barcelona and Spain, Pedri added: “Playing for Barça and for the national team is not very different: the two of them have a style of having the ball and proposing the game.”

Regarding Messi’s continuity, the teenager was cautiously hopeful: “I hope Messi stays. If it was my decision, yes, but I don’t have to make the decision. The relationship with him has always been very good and he has given me very good advice.”

He then diplomatically answered the question about Ronald Koeman’s future as well: “I’m grateful to Koeman for the minutes he has given me. His future has to be decided by the club. The president has to decide it.”