Pedri talks Messi, Xavi, Koeman, Fabian Ruiz, Mbappe, Haaland ahead of Barcelona vs Napoli

Barcelona return to European football after two months, albeit in unfamiliar territory, as they host Napoli at the Camp Nou for the Europa League qualifying round. The winner will advance to the Round of 16.

Qualifying for the Champions League is the top priority for Barcelona, but with the league as volatile as it is, right now, Europa looks like the best route to the destination.

Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, Pedri took to the media as part of his pre-game press conference.

On the game: “We give it a lot of value, we are eager to compete and win this competition.”

On Koeman and Xavi: “Koeman contributed a lot to me, above all he bet me to stay, and Xavi is contributing a lot to us youngsters.”

On Mbappe vs Haaland: “They are both great footballers, my focus is on the Napoli game, though.”

On Ferran Torres: “I get along very well with him on and off the pitch, he will give us a goal and I am very happy that he is here.”

On the ‘illusion of the Europa League’: “I encourage people to come because we are going to work our asses off to try and win it.”

On Lionel Messi: “Leo brought you a lot and I really enjoyed playing with him, but now he’s gone and now there are new players. I’m very happy with the squad we have. Of course you miss him because he’s the best in the world, but I’m very happy with the squad we have.”

On making late runs into the box: “It’s something I’ve been working on since last season, it’s something I want to improve and these games I’ve scored two goals.”

On Napoli’s midfield: “They have a great midfield, I know Fabian (Ruiz), with whom I get along very well from the national team. They have a great team. We know how they play and it is especially worrying how they go on the counterattack. We have to control the match.”

On Fabian Ruiz: “He’s a player with a very good shot, I hope he doesn’t have his day tomorrow. I haven’t spoken to him yet, I hope to do so tomorrow before the game.”

Source: BarçaTV+