Spain and FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri has delivered a candid and heartfelt interview ahead of La Roja's World Cup round of 16 clash against Austria, addressing criticism of the team's group-stage performances, his admiration for teammate Lamine Yamal, and the personal struggles he overcame after a devastating injury during Euro 2024.
Speaking to Spanish media after Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay, Pedri offered a sharp yet humorous response to detractors who have questioned the team's style despite an unbeaten start in Group C. 'It seems like we lost all three games, given that people say nobody is playing well,' he quipped with a smile. Spain began with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 before edging Uruguay. Yet the narrative outside the camp has been one of underwhelming performances.
A Defense Wrapped in Irony
Pedri, now 23, understands the immense pressure that accompanies representing Spain, a nation that expects its team to dominate every match. However, he believes the criticism is premature and out of proportion. 'We are doing well. We look forward to the round of 16 and want to keep improving. We still have room to reach our best level,' he explained.
The midfielder highlighted the physical toll of the Uruguay match, noting the numerous tackles and fouls. 'It was a tough game, very intense. We were missing two players—Pino and Nico Williams—and we hope they recover quickly to help us,' he added, referencing the injuries that have forced Luis de la Fuente to juggle his lineup.
Pedri's light-hearted approach belies a deeper confidence within the squad. Spain may not have set the world alight in group play, but they remain unbeaten and have conceded just once. Against Austria, they will face a motivated opponent that topped Group D, but Pedri insists the team is growing into the tournament. 'We have more to give, and the knockout stages are where we can show it,' he stated.
Watching a Phenom: Lamine Yamal
Perhaps the most poignant part of the interview came when Pedri turned to the subject of Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old wonderkid who has taken football by storm. Far from any jealousy, Pedri expressed genuine wonder at his teammate's poise and ability. 'I find him fit, motivated, very intelligent, very quick, and very mature. He just wants to have fun. What he is experiencing far surpasses what I went through—it's much bigger. I see him as very mature, very calm. His only goal is to play and enjoy himself,' Pedri said.
Yamal's rise has been meteoric. After breaking into Barcelona's first team at 16, he became a regular for Spain, scoring crucial goals in Euro 2024 and now starring in the World Cup. Pedri, who himself burst onto the scene as a teenager at Barça, can relate to the sudden fame but acknowledges that Yamal's trajectory is unprecedented. 'He loves big matches, he doesn't hide his emotions, and that's exactly what he should do: enjoy football and his life, which changed overnight. Adapt to his new reality and savor every moment.'
The bond between the two midfielders is evident on and off the pitch. Pedri has taken on a mentoring role, offering advice while also learning from the younger star's fearlessness. 'He has taught me to enjoy the game more. Sometimes we overthink, but Lamine just plays,' Pedri added.
The Agony of Absence and the Road Back
Pedri also opened up about the pain of missing the latter stages of Euro 2024 due to a serious knee injury. That setback not only halted his momentum but also forced him to watch Spain's triumphant campaign from the sidelines. 'I had to live that experience in a way I didn't want to, but that's football. An injury sidelined me. I approached that last phase with immense desire to go all the way, and I hope this World Cup ends with me on the field.'
The injury, a torn ACL, required surgery and months of grueling rehabilitation. Pedri admitted that the time away from the game gave him a new perspective. 'You learn from every injury. Watching football from the outside is very different from being on the pitch. You take the time to analyze the team's performances, which isn't always easy from the inside.'
He changed his training regimen, incorporating resistance bands and stretching exercises—methods he hadn't prioritized before. 'I found a more suitable training method with resistance bands and stretching... I didn't do that before, but I do now, and it's very effective.' Reflecting on whether his earlier injuries could have been avoided, he said, 'I will never know if my injuries were due to my neglect of that method, we will never know, but it's about understanding your body and finding a balance.'
Pedri's resilience has been a hallmark of his career. Since debuting for Barcelona in 2020, he has been subjected to relentless scrutiny and physical demands. His father's advice echoes in his approach: 'When I was little, my father told me: "If things don't go well, join the team." That's what I try to do. Of course, you have to use your head on the pitch, but I try to play for the team.'
Spain's Road Ahead
With knockout football now upon them, Spain faces a must-win match against Austria on Thursday. Pedri, the midfield orchestrator, will be key to unlocking a well-organized Austrian side. His ability to dictate tempo, combined with Yamal's incisive dribbling, could prove decisive.
The broader context of Spain's World Cup campaign has been one of cautious optimism. Critics have pointed to a lack of cutting edge, but Pedri sees a team growing stronger with each game. 'We have a margin for improvement. The knockout stage is where top teams show their character.'
As for his personal journey, Pedri remains grounded despite the adulation he receives. 'Thousands of kids wear my shirt in the streets, but I still have that humble attitude. I remember where I came from.' His story—from a talented kid in the Canary Islands to a World Cup contender—continues to inspire, and his words about Yamal underscore a generational shift in Spanish football.
The magic of Pedri lies not only in his ball control but in his wisdom beyond his years. As Spain prepares for its round of 16 tie, all eyes will be on the duo of Pedri and Yamal to lead a new golden era for La Roja.
Source:Goal News