"I have never said that with Xavi we didn't work, but now we do it differently"

Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez has recently addressed comments regarding his former coach Xavi Hernandez, clarifying that he never implied a lack of effort during Xavi's tenure. Following a strong performance against Brest, Pedri stated, "I have never said that we did not work with Xavi," emphasising that the training methods have simply changed under Hansi Flick's new management.
His remarks come amid speculation about a strained relationship between him and Xavi, particularly regarding fitness management. Injuries marred Pedri's previous season, and reports suggested he felt rushed back into action too soon by his former coach. This led to tension, prompting Xavi to hold discussions with Pedri to clarify any misunderstandings.
Pedri noted that the current training regime, which includes innovative methods such as using rubber bands, better suits his personal needs. He remarked, "It's simply that we work in a different way, in a way that for me, personally, works much better." His comments have been interpreted by some as a subtle critique of Xavi's approach.
The Golden Boy winner in 2024 has been a focal point for Barcelona's success this season, contributing significantly to the team's performance. This shift in training philosophy appears to have had a positive impact on both Pedri's fitness and overall team dynamics.