On the eve of FC Barcelona’s mouth-watering Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, Pedri faced the media with calm confidence and a touch of excitement in his voice. Softfootball understands the young midfielder spoke openly in a pre-match interview uploaded via the club’s official website ahead of the big night at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where kick-off is set for 9 PM CEST.
Pedri, whose brilliance was hailed by Hansi Flick after the victory against Real Sociedad, didn’t hide his admiration for PSG, calling them one of the best teams in the world. Despite being respectful of PSG the Spaniard was also very confident of the teams chances. He was quick to remind everyone that Barcelona also belongs in that top bracket, Pedri also described these matches as the type footballers live for.
Pedri said:
They’ve already shown they’re one of the best, but we’re Barça, and we’ve got the players, the mentality, and the talent to win the Champions League too. We want to play these games, because they’re the best in the world, and they’re the ones you enjoy most.
Talking about tactics, Pedri revealed Barça’s plan won’t change under pressure. He also hinted PSG’s attacking style under Luis Enrique could leave openings.
He revealed:
Both teams want the ball. We’ll press high and go all out to dominate. We’ve been brave since Flick came in. They play attacking football, which means more spaces, and for us, that’s better. The midfield could decide the match. We’ll try to tip the balance.
Away from tactics, the 22-year-old shared how grateful he feels for the fans and the love he gets every day. He also had a kind word for Aitana Bonmatí, after the Ballon d’Or winner praised him recently.
He said:
I feel valued. The fans have been amazing, and that means everything, I want to thank her. She should just keep doing what she’s doing — honestly, it can’t be done any better.
As Barcelona prepare to face PSG at 9 PM CEST on Wednesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Pedri’s words summed up the team’s mindset perfectly, respectful but fearless, and fully aware of the stage they’re stepping onto.
