Ronald Koeman: Pedri's maturity is hugely impressive
The coach was thrilled by Pedri's Euro 2020 performances
Barcelona midfielder Pedri impressed last season for club and country.
Ronald Koeman was hugely impressed by his performances at the Euros with Spain.
“Pedri’s Euros was phenomenal,” enthused the Dutch coach to Barca TV. “At 18 and knowing the season he had with us, he played almost all the games completely and his maturity is impressive.
“His football keeps improving and he’s a very good and calm boy. He’s a phenomenal lad. He lives for football. He’s an example of how to be a young player at Barca.
“It’s a shame for us he’s at the Olympics. He’s not afraid and he knows expectations are big for him this season but we have maximum confidence. He’s had the luck of having a coach who is not afraid of playing youngsters. Youngsters are the future.”
Koeman believes he is running a meritocracy at Barca.
“It’s important for our youth levels that the youngsters who work hard know that we’re a club who will give opportunities in the first team when they deserve them.”
Pedri may need a rest after the Olympics before the season ahead.
“We’ll have to look if we can rest him before our first league game. As Pep Guardiola said, playing two tournaments in one summer is too much, but we can’t do anything.”
