Pedri became the first player aged 18 to start in all 6 matches at the European Championship. Afterwards he took no rest, but prepared himself with the Spanish Olympic team for Tokyo.
Spain will face Egypt, Argentina and Australia in Group C of the Olympic football tournament. In the meantime, preparations for the new football season have started in Barcelona and Ronald Koeman is not happy with Pedri’s absence.
“He just needed rest after the European Championship,” says Koeman. “He has played a lot. We have to give him a break. Everyone needs that during the summer. Playing two major tournaments in one summer is too much, but we can’t help it.”
Koeman was impressed by his pool at the European Championship. “He was phenomenal. At his age he played almost all matches completely and with enormous maturity. It was also important for our club. It showed the world that young players get opportunities in this club.”
