Pedri, a midfielder for Barcelona, has praised his team’s intensity under Hansi Flick for their outstanding season debut.

After defeating Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday, the Catalans are currently nine points ahead, and Pedri feels the entire squad should be commended.

He told reporters, “The defensive line is playing fantastically, and when we have the ball, we have the chance to have a lot of chances. The key is the intensity we put into the games.”

“Our style is established by the players up front; they do what they please when you watch Lamine play one-on-one or when you pass the ball to Raphinha in space. They’re having a lovely moment”.

Pedri also mentioned how hard he’s had to work behind the scenes to get in excellent shape, and he’s enjoying a rich vein of form.

A great deal of work goes unnoticed. When you’re out, you try your hardest to return well, but it hurts when others criticize you,” he continued.

“I believe my work and nutrition have improved… In order to maintain continuity, I have searched for numerous ways to change, and I am now content with my physical well-being.”

Despite fierce competition for spots now that Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi are healthy again, Pedri has been virtually constant under Flick this season.

The home team had three chances to take the lead in the first eight minutes, but Dani Olmo’s superb finish and an incredible assist from Lamine Yamal gave them the lead in the 12th minute. After Marc Casadó’s stunning pass, Raphinha increased the lead ten minutes later, and Barça had complete control.

Jofre’s goal nearly put Espanyol back in the game, but it was disallowed for offside as Hansi Flick’s high line played flawlessly the entire half. Olmo increased his tally with a fantastic strike from outside the goal, while Raphinha won the ball in the final third thanks to Flick’s trademark high press, which also performed wonders.

Barça lost their edge to start the final term and weren’t as accurate or intense in and out of possession, possibly because they had it so easy in the first half. They nearly paid for it early on when Álvaro Tejedo’s goal was disallowed for a very tight offside.