Barcelona midfield superstar was annoyed with Xavi last season due to one key reason

Earlier in the season, Pedri, in light of an excellent start to the season, praised new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for leading the team well, especially when it comes to physical preparation before a game.

Pedri’s comments raised many eyebrows, not because he praised Flick, but because his statements put previous Xavi Hernandez in a bad light.

“At the club, we work much more than before. I think the physical trainers who have come in are doing us very well. We work very hard and that shows in the game,” Pedri said.

Pedri’s comments didn’t go well with Xavi Hernandez, who was reportedly upset with the Barcelona midfielder for a comment that he thought was insensitive.

Reason behind Pedri’s annoyance with Xavi

In a recent TV program, journalist Santi Ovalle has now revealed that there were occasions last season when Pedri felt a bit annoyed by Xavi.

Pedri was not happy with Xavi Hernandez. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Ovalle claimed that the midfielder felt that the former Barcelona coaching staff used to put pressure on him to get back onto the pitch from injury earlier than expected.

“He had a lot of injuries last season. In some of these comings and goings he felt that they were pressuring him to return early,” the journalist said (h/t ElDesmarque). “That didn’t sit well with him.”

Pedri’s turn of fortunes

Pedri’s tough experience with the management, of course, has changed under the leadership of Hansi Flick this season.

The German tactician has gauged the midfielder’s fitness situation quite well, which has led to Pedri becoming an ever-present figure in the Barcelona midfield.

The Catalans are even stepping up their efforts to tie the midfielder down to a new contract, with the player’s current deal expiring in 2026.