Pedri talks Xavi, Iniesta, Gavi, Bellingham, Veiga, La Liga, UCL failure

Barcelona starlet Pedri recently sat down with GQ (h/t Diario AS) for an exclusive interview, where he talked about Barcelona’s Champions League disappointment, along with his aspirations for the new season and the influence of coach Xavi Hernandez.

When discussing Barcelona’s recent LaLiga triumph, Pedri said, “We have won LaLiga four games before it ends. We have had it much more comfortable than on other occasions and it is true that people discredit it for the points we get from them. If we get those points from them, it is due to our merit, because we have not left points when they have. That ultimately makes the difference.”

But the midfielder acknowledged the club’s shortcomings in the Champions League, stating, “I think that this year in the Champions League was difficult. I think that in the away games against Inter and against Bayern we did not have the luck we expected.”

“We have to get over it. We are Barça and we aspire to everything, and I think we have to improve so that next year doesn’t happen,” he added.

As a player who appreciates the value of special occasions, Pedri stated, “I also like to keep the shirts with which I have played a final. Also, the first one I played with as a professional.”

The youngster talked about his early days at the club as well, adding, “I have the first pair of boots with which I made my debut and with which I scored my first goal with Barça. It was a special moment, it will always remain in my memory.”

Pedri also shared insights into his relationship with Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, explaining, “Xavi is very aware of me. He plays the same position he played, and it shows.” He praised the coach’s perspective, adding, “He has experienced it from the inside and now he sees it from the outside and can explain the ins and outs of the game to me.”

“He always tells me to look before we receive. Well, we always try to have the ball and build touch football based on the ball, as Barça has always been and as our history marks. It is true that this year in defence we have been very good,” he added.

When asked about the players he admires the most, Pedri mentioned Andres Iniesta, the Barcelona legend, who is currently plying his trade with Vissel Kobe. He also mentioned other contemporary stars such as Jude Bellingham, Gavi and Gabri Veiga, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid lately.

“Always Iniesta. I like to see quality people and I enjoy not only seeing them but also learning,” he said. “Bellingham, for example, is very good. I like to watch his matches. From Gavi, I also learn how all the balls go, and how he doesn’t give up. Gabri Veiga is also exploding, and I really like how he plays.”

Looking ahead, Pedri emphasized the potential of the Spanish national team, stating, “I think we have a lot of room for improvement. We are very young. In the first games of Luis de la Fuente, we still have to see what he wants to work with this team and well, little by little, improve. I think we have a lot of room for improvement, we are very young.”