Pedri, the 23-year-old FC Barcelona midfielder, spoke to beIN SPORTS on the sidelines of a press conference ahead of this Tuesday evening’s match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9:00 PM, CET), part of the third matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase. He discussed the keys to this high-profile clash and touched upon Ousmane Dembélé—the 29-year-old PSG forward whom he previously played alongside at Barça.
Pedri: “We’re arriving in good form, ready to win.”
A big match ahead?
It’s going to be a fantastic game. Two teams in great form are facing each other; both are riding a wave of momentum and are eager to put on a good show. We both want to control the ball, so I think it will be a very entertaining match for the spectators.
This game will serve as a benchmark for our current level. They are the defending champions, and we’ll need to perform at our best to come away with a win.
Is this the right moment for Barça to secure a victory at such a challenging venue?
Yes, I believe we’re in good form and capable of winning—that’s our goal. It certainly won’t be easy, but that’s why we’re here: to play well, take the ball away from PSG, and try to secure the victory.
Pedri: “The team that controls possession will have a better chance of winning.”
Will the key to the match be possession, or a more direct style of play?
The team that controls possession will have a better chance of winning. Both sides struggle a bit more when they don’t have the ball, and I think that, generally speaking, whoever dominates the midfield ends up winning the match. In a match like this, where both teams want to keep possession of the ball, I think that’s even more true.
Pedri: “I hope he doesn’t have any luck tomorrow.”
A word on Dembélé, your former teammate?
He’s a player who really makes a difference. Plus, I have a very good relationship with him. He’s comfortable with both feet and very good in one-on-one situations. I think he’s a very complete forward. It will be difficult to stop him. I hope he doesn’t have any luck tomorrow, so that we can come away with the win.
