Still not finding reliability in defence, but more intense in attack since Rafinha’s return, Pedri’s presence has revitalized Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. Against Atlético, in a duel in which Barcelona featured last season at times but without a leader at the back, Pedri struck the team: he reinforced the virtues in attack and masked the weaknesses in defence. As if that wasn’t enough, he was involved in both goals.
Flick analyzed, “I am very satisfied. The importance of the arrival of new players. There are some people who we did not have to change 100%. We controlled more, and created more spaces. It was very positive.” He added: “I think our performance was on another level. We played against a great team. We fought together, and that’s what you saw today. It was amazing and fantastic.”
In the run-up to Atletico’s visit, Flick insisted on applying pressure. He wanted his boys to be coordinated in attack, ready to pounce quickly, especially after Rafinha’s return. He commented, “I think that the higher we press, the closer we get to the opponent’s goal. Therefore, we will have more options to score goals.” Flick said: “Rafinha is a very important player for us. Getting him back is great for the team. We were able to see him today but we also saw him in the last match. I am very happy.” The presence of the Brazilian in attack is as indispensable to Flick’s idea as Pedri’s.
After testing his level against Alaves (30 minutes), Flick did not hesitate to send him onto the field from the start against Atletico. “I know he may not be 100%, but he will help us,” the German coach explained before the match against Simeone’s team. According to locker room sources, the agreement between Flick and Pedri was for him to play for only 75 minutes. But he collapsed at the age of 71.
Flick said: “Pedri is fine, he is a little tired. Olmo has shoulder problems, we will see tomorrow.” I arrived in Barcelona. It was Fleck’s idea to make the most of his eleventh party. In any case, he did not take into account the unexpected loss of De Jong. Without the Dutchman, Eric stood alongside Pedri in midfield, always careful to step back and get into the middle of the defense to complement Koparsi and Gerrard in getting the ball out.
He can’t find a way to get off the ball, and he can’t find a way to get back into defense. Without De Jong, Eric Garcia gave Pedri freedom. The Canary Islander chose the best plays in which he approached the defence, always also paying attention to feeding Lamine, Olmo and Rafinha: the glue of the team to the victory over Atletico.