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'It's a lie' - Pedri clears up controversial comments about Xavi's spell in charge of Barcelona

Copa del Rey

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Barcelona

Following remarks that seemed to be a criticism of Xavi, his former coach at Barcelona, Pedri clarified the situation following another masterclass in midfield during his team's 3-0 win over Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Pedri seems to have gotten over his injury issues and has been thriving under new boss Hansi Flick.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pedri was just as integral to Xavi as he has been to Flick. However, the Spanish international struggled to remain fit. During Xavi's two years and eight months of reign as Barca's head coach, Pedri was out of action for as many as 386 days, and missed over 70 games for club and country.Things have been different under Flick as Pedri seems to have put his fitness problems past him. In September, he spoke about the fitness work that he undergoes as part of Flick's training methods and his comments were perceived as an indirect jab at Xavi."Yes, I feel liberated," Pedri told <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240905/1002310067/pedri-me-siento-mas-suelto.html" target="_self">Mundo Deportivo</a> in September. "I think Flick has also conveyed that to me, to play without pressure, to do what I know how to do and I feel much more relaxed. Physically, I can also see that I am much better at being able to do different things. Flick is very good at that, giving us confidence."We are working much harder at the club 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 let up after the 70th or 80th minute, but rather maintains its physical level."We [the Spain internationals] arrived late [after the European Championship], but speaking with those at preseason from the start, they were really put through it. A lot of strength work, a lot of physical exercises."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Two months later, Pedri seized the chance to finally resolve the controversy surrounding his remarks. "We do different gym training, I don't want to say that before we didn't work as they have said, that I said with Xavi we didn't work - it's a lie," Pedri said from the mixed zone (h/t <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2024/11/26/pedri-mi-renovacion-feliz-aqui.html" target="_self">MARCA</a>) while answering the reporters post their win over Brest on Tuesday."It's just that we work in a different way, in a way that suits me, personally, much better and I've found that way of training with tires and different things that works better for me."

WHAT PEDRI HAS NOW SAID

While Pedri continues to dazzle with his wizardry in midfield, there has been speculation surrounding his future in Catalonia. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/he-wants-to-make-history-here-and-win-titles-deco-confident-barcelona-star-will-sign-new-deal/blt824c235ca32d4fc8" target="_self">Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, claimed earlier this month that they were confident of renewing the 21-year-old</a>. Pedri's contract expires in 2026."I still don't know anything [about my renewal], I was focused on the game," said Pedri. "I'll talk to my representatives, but I'm happy here and whatever has to happen, will happen."

WHAT NEXT?

'It's a lie' - Pedri clears up comments about Xavi's spell in charge of Barcelona | Goal.com Australia

In September, Pedri spoke about how different things have been under new boss Hansi Flick, which came across as criticism for former Barca coach Xavi.