Pedri wants to start for Barcelona against PSG: ‘For as long as I’m able to, I will give everything’

One of the main reasons behind Barcelona’s epic comeback against Paris Saint-Germain last week was the performance of midfielder Pedri, who returned from injury and completely changed the game during his half-hour cameo that gave Barça a crucial 3-2 lead ahead of Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.

The suspensions to Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto have opened the door for Pedri to start in the second leg, but his fitness remains a big question having played just 60 total minutes since coming back from his latest hamstring injury.

Barça might have to play 120 minutes on Tuesday and there’s a serious doubt about whether to start Pedri or save him for the second half, but the magician wants to be named on the teamsheet and is ready to give his all even if it means he can’t finish the game.

Pedri also wants the crowd at Montjuïc to show the same energy he plans to bring to what he calls one of the most important games of his career so far.

“I feel strong and eager to play 90 minutes, the fatigue is noticeable after returning from injury, but I always say that I prefer to play 80 minutes at 100% and when I can’t anymore I’ll ask for a change so that a teammate can come in. These games are the ones you always want to play. For as long as I’m able to, I will give everything on the pitch.

“It could be the most important match of my career, yes, like the semi-final of the Euros [in 2021]. I have been thinking for a long time about offering these nights to Barcelona and I am sure that the fans will help us.”

It seems quite clear at this point that the plan will be to start Pedri and hope he can last for as long as possible until he’s replaced in the second half, and Xavi wants his magician to impact the game from the very beginning instead of trying to put out a fire as a substitute for the second match running.

All we can do as fans is cross our fingers and hope he can play at a high level from the start and not get injured again, and that Barça finish the job so Pedri can be available for the semi-finals.