Barcelona midfielder Pedri has revealed that new coach Hansi Flick is working the squad harder than predecessor Xavi, which already appears to be paying off physically in games.

Xavi left the club at the end of last season, having initially been persuaded to stay following his January decision to quit. But, in a bizarre turn of events, he was then unceremoniously sacked, with Flick the man chosen to replace him at the helm.

Flick’s impact has been rapid. Despite financial problems stripping back the squad even further during the summer and severely limiting the club’s ability to bring new players, Barcelona have started the season well and sit top of La Liga with four wins from four games.

The German’s style of play has been likened to Pep Guardiola’s. Aside from technical prowess, it requires intense physical fitness in order to work because of pressing demands off the ball.

“We are working much harder at the club than before,” Pedri told Mundo Deportivo this week.

“I think the physical trainers who have come in are doing us a lot of good. We work very hard and that shows in the game. The team doesn’t let up after the 70th or 80th minute, but rather maintains its physical level,” the youngster explained.

“A lot of strength, a lot of physical training exercises. And when [international players] arrived [after Euro 2024] they gave us a final push until the matches started.”

Pedri admitted the physical training load has calmed down since La Liga started, but putting in the work in pre-season should have a significant benefit come the run-in.

Discussing Flick’s character, Pedri added: “Above all, he is very friendly, he is a guy who likes to talk to the players. Apart from being serious, he also jokes, he is not always as serious as he appears. He helps us youngsters a lot. He is always attentive to what you need and that is appreciated.

“It’s clear that when things need to be taken seriously, he takes them seriously. He has that sergeant’s touch, but also that little piece of bread when he talks to the players.”

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