Pedri: 'We have to control the game'

The swiftness in attack for Barça may come through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, the decisive defending from Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, but it's Pedri who undoubtedly sets the pace of the game. The Canary Islander has hugely come to the fore in recent months under Hansi Flick. He both feels and is important, and as well as the quality football he shows on the pitch in every game, he has become an important voice in the dressing room.

Motivation against Real Madrid

Testament to that is the midfielder being chosen to appear before the media in the Spanish Super Cup final pre-match press conference in Yeddah. He expressed that "the dressing room is motivated, and really looking forward to playing in this final." He went on to say that "a trophy being up for grabs and that it's against Real Madrid makes it even more special."

The blaugrana number 8 is going through a great patch of form, and although he admits that "maybe I wasn't featuring so regularly before, everything has come from the work I have put in and the changes I've made in my life." He went on to comment jokingly that "every time I talk I get asked about injuries. Seems like they are expecting something to happen. It's time for me to enjoy football," he declared.

Enjoying Flick's style

And he is enjoying playing both as an attacking and a deeper midfielder. "I enjoy it on the pitch. I don't care what position I play in. Playing for Barça has always been a source of motivation, ever since my first game. I feel comfortable, we press high, we regain possession a lot... it's the kind of football I like", assured Pedri. A playing style that reached its zenith this season precisely against Real Madrid during the LaLiga El Clásico at the Bernabéu stadium, a 0-4 win.

However, the Canary Islander is clear that "it will be very tough to put the same performance in again. They'll be out for revenge, but we'll have to control the game, know how to maintain that control, and watch out that they don't hurt us with counterattacks." As one of the captains, he also expressed his delight at Olmo and Pau Víctor being available again.

About Olmo and Pau Víctor

"It's really good news. They were in a very tough position. You travel to Saudi Arabia without knowing whether or not you can play... they were going through a tough time, but we are very happy that they can be with us now", he acknowledged about his two teammates. And he sent a message that all FC Barcelona fans will love. Albeit he said that "it is very early" to speak about an extension, given his contract ends in 2026, he clearly stated that "I am more focused on the final than renewing, but people have no reason to worry."