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Pedri Clarifies Comments on Xavi and Reflects on Barcelona Future
Barcelona midfielder Pedri González has recently addressed and clarified claims of criticism towards former manager Xavi Hernández, following accusations that the team lacked intensity under his leadership. Reports of a strained relationship between Pedri and Xavi toward the end of the latter’s tenure had surfaced, but the 22-year-old sought to dismiss such narratives after his stellar performance against Brest on Tuesday.
Speaking to *Sport* in the post-match mixed zone, Pedri denied making any derogatory remarks about Xavi’s training methods. “It’s not true that I said we didn’t work with Xavi Hernández,” he stated. “The truth is that we are simply working differently now, and for me personally, this new approach suits me better. Using training methods like rubber bands and other techniques has been more effective for me.”
As one of Barcelona's brightest talents, Pedri has become a vital figure for the club, and his future is currently a topic of discussion. Ahead of the Brest game, reports suggested that his agents were planning to meet with Barcelona Sporting Director Deco to negotiate an extension to his current contract, which runs until 2026. When asked about the matter, Pedri expressed his commitment to the club while remaining noncommittal on the details. “I still don’t know anything,” he said. “I was focused on the game. I’ll talk to my representatives, but I’m happy here, and whatever needs to happen will happen.”
Rumors of tension between Xavi and Pedri were fueled last season by suggestions that Xavi was open to selling the young midfielder and concerns about how Pedri’s injuries were managed. Some believed that he had been rushed back to action prematurely. While these issues were reportedly resolved through conversations, they highlighted underlying disagreements during Xavi’s tenure. Pedri’s comments suggest a more positive outlook as he thrives under Barcelona's current setup.
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