Koeman Frustrated With Pedri’s Participation In Olympic Games
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has been left frustrated by Spain’s decision to call up Pedri for this summer’s Olympic games, insisting the midfielder needs to rest.
Straight from playing in all six games as Spain reached the EURO 2020 semi-finals, the 18-year-old has joined up with the u-23 squad in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics where they will be playing Egypt, Argentina and Australia in the group stages.
In his debut season for Barcelona last term, Pedri made 52 appearances across all competitions, winning the Copa del Rey.
Koeman told a media conference: "Pedri has played a lot. We will have to give him a break, everyone needs it during the [European] summer.
"As Pep Guardiola said, playing two important tournaments in the summer is too much, but we can't do anything.
"Pedri's European Championship was phenomenal. At the age of 18 he has played almost all the complete matches, with an impressive maturity.
"His football continues to improve and he is a very honest and calm boy. He lives for football. He is an example of how to be a young man at Barca.
"It is important for our grassroots football, that young people see that they are in a club that gives them opportunities."
Barcelona will begin their 2021/2022 La Liga season on August 15 at home to Real Sociedad.
