Barcelona midfielder Pedro could play 66 games in a marathon 2020-21 campaign for club and country. The 18-year-old was named to Spain’s squad for the Olympic Games football competition in Tokyo. Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is concerned by the threat of burnout for his starlet. Pedri won the young player of the tournament award at Euro 2020.
Spain has named a 22man squad for the Euro 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Real Sociedad midfielder Dani Pedri is one of seven players who will compete in the tournament. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team will be “greatly motivated, with greater experience” De La Fuente’s side is also bringing in Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos, Mikel Merino, Oscar Mingueza, and Carlos Soler.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has hit out at the decision to call up Spain midfielder Pedro. Barcelona tried to resist Spain’s call for Pedri but was told to back down by the RFEF. Koeman says that two top-tier competitions in the same summer are too much for a player. The Dutchman also believes it would be “too much” for Pep Guardiola to play in the Olympics and Champions League.
“I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PLAYERS ARE KEEN TO PLAY, BUT WE HAVE A TIGHTLY-PACKED SCHEDULE AND WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR PLAYERS.”
Spain is hoping to make an impact at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. They were beaten by Italy on penalties in the semi-finals of the Euro in France. But it doesn’t show much consideration for players who have been playing without a break for over a year. If Pedri continues to be as overused as he has been by Barcelona and Spain, there’s a chance he will burn out before his time.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named in the Spain squad for the Under World Cup in Japan. The Barcelona star will be hoping to add to his Olympic gold medal from 2008 with a win in the tournament. He is expected to start against hosts Japan in a friendly before facing Egypt, Australia, and Argentina.
“PEP WAS PHENOMENAL WITH ME AS NOBODY WANTED ME TO GO TO THE OLYMPICS WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM, BUT I WANTED TO GO,”
added Messi.
“HE WAS THE ONE WHO GAVE ME THE PERMISSION.”
Barcelona midfielder Pep Pedri says he understands the club’s decision not to send him to the Olympic Games. The Spaniard has been named in Luis Suarez’s Spain squad for the London Olympics. Barcelona won the treble in 2008-09 and Pedri is happy to keep on playing until after the World Cup.
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