Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the 24th round of La Liga, reclaiming the top spot on goal difference over Real Madrid. However, the match was overshadowed by refereeing controversies, fueling tensions between Barcelona and their rivals.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, midfielder Pedri expressed frustration over certain lineup decisions, urging coach Hansi Flick to start Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres more regularly. Pedri believes their inclusion would add dynamism and energy, qualities he feels Barcelona has lacked in recent games.
Despite the win, Pedri was dissatisfied with Olmo and Torres being used only as substitutes. He argues that their late-game introductions significantly improve Barcelona’s attacking play—Torres adds speed and movement, while Olmo creates scoring opportunities. In contrast, Pedri feels veteran striker Robert Lewandowski’s performances have declined with age.
Torres has been particularly impactful in second-half appearances, constantly threatening defenses, while Olmo’s creativity and shooting ability make him a valuable asset. Pedri insists that a tactical shift is necessary if Barcelona wants to remain competitive in La Liga and Europe.
This internal pressure could influence Flick’s future decisions as he reassesses his strategies to maximize Barcelona’s attacking potential.
