'Palo' to Xavi? Pedri clarifies the big difference between working with the Egarense and with Flick

The FC Barcelona, in general terms, has started the season in a remarkable form. And why not? Four matches, four victories, 12 out of 12 points, with a convincing tally of 13 goals scored and barely three conceded. This only leaves a pleasant taste and suggests that, regardless of it possibly being premature to say so, the best version of the Blaugrana team is back or at least on the path to achieving it.

One of the assets that best explains the current level displayed by the Barcelona squad is Pedri González. The player from Tegueste, who had just recovered from an internal lateral ligament sprain in his left knee suffered on July 5 during the Germany-Spain quarter-final match in the Euro Cup after a tackle from Toni Kroos, has started the season in a sublime form, showcasing his most cerebral, creative, and technically gifted version. This is accompanied by a quite fresh physical condition, making him now one of Hansi Flick's key players in midfield.

In his most recent interview with 'Mundo Deportivo', the Culé number 8 didn't hesitate to talk about why, in his opinion, he is showing one of his best versions since wearing the Barcelona shirt. "I feel this way, liberated. I think Flick has also conveyed it to me, to play without pressure, to do what I know how to do, and I feel much looser. Physically, it's also noticeable that I am much better to be able to do different things. Flick is very good at that, giving us confidence," he commented.

Pedri's possible criticism of Xavi Hernández's management as FC Barcelona's coach

At this point, Pedri made a statement that many have considered a criticism towards Xavi Hernández's management as the coach of FC Barcelona. The Tenerife-born player expressed the significant difference he feels in the previous physical preparation compared to the one carried out under the direction of the German coach. "At the club, we work much harder than before. I think the physical trainers who have come in are doing us a lot of good. We work very hard, and that shows in the game. The team doesn't drop after the 70th or 80th minute; it maintains the physical level," he pointed out.

Finally, the midfielder detailed what the entire physical preparation entails under the new guidance of the German coach. "It's true that we arrive later, but those who did the preseason, they really worked hard. A lot of strength, a lot of physical work exercises. And when we arrived, they pushed us hard until the matches began. It's different with the competition," he concluded.