Barcelona star Pedri has hailed the fitness revolution implemented by Hansi Flick in Catalonia.
The La Liga giants opted to bring in the former Bayern Munich boss as Xavi Hernandez’s replacement over the summer as part of a direction change at the club.
Flick has enjoyed a superb start to the league season, with four wins from their opening four games of the campaign, as they top the table ahead of the September international break.
MORE: All the latest soccer news | Barcelona news | Real Madrid news
As part of the changes implemented by Flick, Pedri believes a stricter fitness regime has completely changed the resilience and drive of the squad, as they look to challenge El Clasico rivals Real Madrid this season.
“We work much harder than before. The fitness coaches who have come in are doing us a lot of good. We work very hard and that shows games”, as per an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
“We don’t let up after the 70th or 80th minute, we maintain our physical level.
“I feel liberated. Flick has also conveyed that to me, to play without pressure, to do what I know how to do and I feel more relaxed. Physically, I’m much better at doing different things, the manager is very good at giving us confidence.”
Pedri’s confidence is echoed in his performances as the Spain international looks to shake off a frustrating year of injury setbacks for club and country.
The 21-year-old started three consecutive league games before the international window and he is currently top of the La Liga charts for key passes by a midfielder (11) and third for progressive midfielder passes (28).