Barcelona midfielder Pedri has revealed that he had a bet with his coach Xavi last season regarding the number of goals he would score, but he failed to meet the target. The 21-year-old, considered one of the brightest talents in world football, scored only seven goals and provided one assist in 45 appearances for the Catalan club in all competitions.
A lso Read: When and where to watch Lionel Messi's next match in India?
Although Pedri plays behind the attackers in the midfielder role, Xavi wants his midfielders to become attacking threats to create unpredictability. Pedri’s hold-up play and passing have been phenomenal throughout the last season. Talking about being more of an attacking threat, Pedri told Barca TV that Xavi challenged him to score at least 10 goals in the 2022-23 campaign, but he admitted that he fell short of the mark.
"I had a bet with the manager last season. He challenged me to score at least 10 goals," he said. "I failed on the mission to be honest, so I accept the challenge again this season. There's a lot I can do better. I think last season I provided too few assists."
Also Read: Lionel Messi scores an injury-time winner on Inter Miami debut
The Spain international also talked about improving his fitness and diet to avoid injuries and perform better on the pitch. The Kopa Trophy winner missed 15 games through injury last season and has talked about following the advice of the club's physios and fitness coaches. “I have been working on strength, and what the backroom staff from the club tell me is very useful,” he said. “All the physios, fitness coaches push me a bit, but it’s what I need to stay healthy.
