Pedri: “We continue to be just as competitive”

In statements to the club´s media and ‘DAZN’, the player assured that the Blaugrana “will give our all to win the three points”.

The objective: to repeat last year´s superiority

Last season, Barça clearly dominated the direct encounters against Real Madrid: from the friendly played in the United States to the Copa del Rey final, including the two league matches and the Supercopa de España. The Catalan team seeks to replicate that success. “Last year we were able to win all the encounters and hopefully this year will be the same,” said Pedri. The Tenerife native analyzed the team´s performance during the previous season: “I think last season, overall, we were at an incredible level. We need to get back to that level. There are things to improve as always.” He also highlighted the importance of working together with the coaching staff: “The good thing is that we know what we need to do to improve. With the coach and the staff, we correct the mistakes and continue to be as competitive as we were.” Pedri also made self-criticism and pointed out that the team still has room for growth: “If I had to give the team a grade, it would be a six or seven, but I hope that on Sunday we are a ten.”

Motivated for the classic

The talented player from Tegueste acknowledged his enthusiasm for playing “a match that everyone wants to play,” especially valuing the fact “to have that continuity that I hadn´t had for a while and to play it all with desire and excitement.” Regarding the context of the classic, Pedri downplayed the form of both teams: “In a classic, it shouldn´t matter much how both teams arrive. What has been done in previous matches counts for little.”

No excuses despite the injuries

On the numerous injuries affecting the Catalan squad, Pedri was emphatic: “Those of us who are here will give our all” to “win the three points.” He also acknowledged that he would prefer to have all his teammates available: “It’s true that I would like everyone to be available, and I’m sure the coach and the team would too, but those of us who are here will give our all and try to win the three points.” The Canary player also showed his respect for the rival and analyzed the style of the white team: “Now they try to have the ball much more and, as always, they have firepower up front. It will be a complicated match, but we will try to dominate them.”

His best memory in a classic

When asked about the classic he cherishes the most, Pedri did not hesitate: he chooses the Copa del Rey final, “because I was able to score a goal” and, above all, “because we brought the title home.”