“There is a lot of work that’s not visible” - Pedri makes feelings clear after Barcelona continue impressive start to season with win over Espanyol
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has opened up about his and the club's impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign under Hansi Flick. It comes after they beat rivals Espanyol 3-1 at home in LaLiga on Sunday, November 3.
Barca have won 13 of their 15 games across competitions, losing one each in LaLiga and UEFA Champions League. They sit atop the Spanish top-flight table, nine points above second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Pedri has been a key performer for Barcelona under Flick, putting in stellar displays day in and day out. After the derby win over Espanyol on Sunday, the Spaniard said about the team's performance (via Barca Universal):
“We were just talking about it before it started, it was a very important match. The fans always love a derby.”
“Above all, the intensity that we put into the games. The teams notice it in the second half. The defensive line is doing a spectacular job. The players we have up front also mark it on their own. They are in a sweet moment where things are going their way."
Pedri also opened up about his individual performances, saying:
“Well, above all, there is a lot of work that is not visible. There is always a lot of criticism and that hurts you. I think I have improved a little in everything to try to have that continuity and I am happy to enjoy playing with the ball."
Pedri has made 15 appearances across competitions for Barcelona this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Hansi Flick shares thoughts on Barcelona's win over Espanyol
Barcelona had an excellent start in the Derbi Barceloni against Espanyol in LaLiga on Sunday. Summer signing Dani Olmo gave them the lead in the 12th minute before Raphinha added another nine minutes later. Olmo scored another in the 31st minute to make it 3-0. Javi Puado got a consolation goal for Espanyol in the 63rd minute.
The visitors put in a good fight in the second half and created multiple chances but were unable to capitalise on them. Assessing his side's overall performance, Hansi Flick pointed out their lapses in the second half and said (via Barca Blaugranes):
“A derby is always difficult. We showed a good level in the first half, but in general we didn’t play as we usually do. We lost too many balls and that penalised us in the second half. For today, okay, I can understand that we lost a bit of concentration. But we need more strength for Wednesday,”
Barcelona will next face Crvena zvezda away in the UEFA Champions League league stage on Wednesday, November 6.