Pedri’s promise to Barcelona: leading the charge for Champions League glory, with Rafinha on the comeback trail

Pedri’s evolution, leadership, and Barça’s Champions League dream

Pedri, Barcelona’s midfield anchor, is analyzed for his journey, present form, and personal as well as collective aspirations with the Catalan club.

He is currently out of national duty, recovering from a left hamstring tear sustained at the end of October during the Clasico, a setback that has kept him away from Spain’s camp.

In remarks cited by Marca, Pedri reflects on a transformative period since arriving at Barcelona: “It feels like five years have passed in what seems like moments. I’ve learned a lot from teammates and leaders, and I now sense I am in a leadership role.”

On his love for the club, he adds, “When I was born they dressed me in Barca colors; my grandfather and father were Barca fans to the core, and they passed that passion to me. I’m lucky to play for Barça; I live a dream every day when I wake up.”

Regarding the coaches who mentored him, he states, “I will always be grateful to Koeman for giving me my first real chance, trusting me when I wasn’t obvious. Xavi revived the spark and helped us win a league nobody expected. He’s a club legend who empowered the youngsters.”

With Hans-Dieter Flick at the helm, Pedri notes a further competitive step: “We’ve moved up a notch in competitiveness, aiming for every trophy. He has that German seriousness when it matters, but he also knows how to make us laugh; he’s calm, though best not to test his patience.”

Discussing his partnership with Frenkie de Jong, Pedri says, “We’re playing together far more now, and you can feel it. People outside may not grasp De Jong’s quality, but he has unbelievable talent and the strength to break lines. I’m very happy to have him beside me.”

Pedri also praises his teammate Eric García: “He’s a friend, a top defender, who can pass well, cover as a full-back or central defender, and read the game superbly. There were moments fans doubted him, but now they see the level he’s reached.”

When speaking about Lamine Yamal, Pedri adds, “He’s an extraordinary player for his age—mature beyond his years, handling pressure gracefully, and carrying the duty that comes with being a rising star.”

On the Ballon d’Or, he admits, “Of course I dream of winning it; every player does. It’s difficult, but you never know.” He clarifies his club allegiance, saying the top team prize matters more than a personal trophy, and Barcelona’s chances in the Champions League feel among the best in years.

“We want the team success more than personal glory,” he concludes. “This season could be the moment for Barcelona in Europe; we’re all in, aiming to lift the trophy together.”

And if they win the Champions League, he jokes, “I’ll not shave my head completely—my mom would spoil me for that (laughs). At least we’ll give our lives to win it.”

Rafinha continues to progress well from the injury he suffered on September 26, in the middle portion of the right hamstring. He has not yet joined group work, but returned this Thursday to individual recovery sessions partly on the pitch.

If the progress remains positive, he is expected to rejoin the rest of the squad next week after a recent setback that kept him out of the Clasico in October.

Barcelona remains cautious with all injuries, especially Rafinha, who had been very close to returning earlier before relapsing.