Pedri Declares Barcelona the World’s Best as Barca-PSG Spotlight Intensifies

Pedri’s bold claim and PSG praise

Pedri, Barcelona’s midfield maestro, said his team believes they are the best in the world from his perspective, while he praised Paris Saint‑Germain ahead of the eagerly awaited Champions League showdown between the clubs.

Speaking at the pre‑match press conference, he told AS that even if it isn’t the ultimate club duel, it ranks among the best matches. He described PSG as one of the world’s top teams and expressed that Barcelona, in his view, feels like the best.

Scholes’ praise and the motivation it brings

When asked about Paul Scholes’ comparison of him to a blend of Xavi and Iniesta, Pedri replied that the praise from a football legend gives him a big boost. He noted that matching the levels those icons reached is incredibly difficult, but such accolades are a strong source of motivation.

Asked about the match’s nature, he stated both sides will seek to control possession, and whoever dominates the midfield will hold the advantage. Since Xavi’s arrival, Barcelona has become a brave team, intent on imposing its style.

The clash of philosophies: Flick’s Barca vs Enrique’s PSG

Regarding his thoughts on outcomes, Pedri said both teams have rosters capable of competing for honours and that the two clubs bring distinct philosophies into the arena.

On the drive to bounce back after recent 1‑4 defeats to PSG, he recalled that Barcelona were close to qualification two years ago and that football always offers chances for revenge. He added that these are matches supporters and players enjoy most.

Addressing a compliment from teammate Aitana Bonmatí, he thanked her and said he hopes she continues to shine, underscoring the team’s culture of mutual encouragement.

Pedri also spoke about physical development, noting he has tweaked some aspects of conditioning but that the routine now includes playing every three days, which he finds enjoyable but requires adaptation.

When asked about his preferred playing style, he anticipated PSG pressing from the start and highlighted Enriqué’s brave approach and his preference for possession-based play.

Regarding his status within Barça and the national team, Pedri insisted he feels valued and cherished by the fans, reinforcing his sense of duty and responsibility to perform.

On teammate Gavi’s and Juan García’s injuries, he said recovering from operations isn’t easy, but the group works to keep spirits high and aims to return stronger.

In terms of leadership, he revealed the coach asked him to take a step forward both on and off the pitch, a role that is now more meaningful to him than before.

He also recalled Luis Enrique’s requests during their time together, explaining that the emphasis was on touching as many balls as possible to help the team, a memory that has stuck with him.

Beyond the duel itself, the Barça-Paris clash is a contest between two modern coaching schools led by Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique, shaping how the teams press, build, and transition.

Since taking charge, Flick has started reshaping Barça’s identity, drawing on German football’s emphasis on high pressing, rapid transitions, and disciplined organization, while leveraging young talents like Pedri, Olmo, and Lamine Yamal alongside Lewandowski’s experience in the final third.

Conversely, Enrique has continued developing his PSG project, freed from the expectation to center everything around a single star after Mbappé’s departure, allowing a more collective system to flourish.

Enrique has redefined roles, turning Vitinha into a dynamic pivot and progressively moving away from traditional defensive anchors, while Dembélé has been tested as a false nine and the backline has been rebuilt with players comfortable under pressure.

The latest moves include bringing in a young defender, Zabarny, to boost competition with Marquinhos, and a goalkeeper option that emphasizes ball-playing and bolder builds from the back. Donnarumma’s decisive saves in the Champions League have been complemented by a more adventurous approach from his teammates.

Birth of a new era

Mbappé’s departure was not only a sporting shift but a philosophical one for Enrique, freeing him from a star-centric plan and enabling a more balanced, collective system. The team now seems more cohesive, capable of pressing under pressure and quickly transitioning, with Vitinha at the heart of midfield and a versatile frontline offering variety. Hakimi and Nuno Mendes keep the width, while the midfield line drops back to preserve balance in what looks like a wave that never loses shape until it crashes into the opponent’s box.

In short, this is not just Barca vs PSG; it’s a tactical duel between two modern football ideologies playing out on the biggest European stage. It promises to be a match filled with intensity, ingenuity, and perhaps a few moments of magic that remind us why we watch football in the first place.

Punchline time: If football were a precision rifle, Barca’s passes would file the target dead center every time—pew-pew, possession edition.

Punchline two: PSG’s plan is so bold that even their substitutions look like starting lineups. Expect urgency, flair, and a passport-friendly ball that travels fast and far.