Pedri described playing with Robert Lewandowski as a “luxury” after both players starred in Barcelona’s 6-0 demolition of Pumas UNAM in the Joan Gamper trophy on Sunday.
The Blaugrana ran riot at their traditional Camp Nou as goals from Pedri (two), Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Frenkie de Jong condemned the Mexican side to a crushing defeat.
It took just 20 minutes for Barca to build a 4-0 lead as Pedri scored twice after laying a fresh set-up on Lewandowski’s set-piece, with the Poland striker returning the favor to fire home the skilful midfielder’s second.
Lewandowski – who scored 50 goals in all competitions during his last season with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich – was named man of the match, with Pedri showering him with praise.
“It was important for us to win in front of our fans and we achieved that by playing a good game,” said the midfielder.
“The coach is asking us all to reach the top and score goals and I hope that continues. We had a good pre-season and wanted to start scoring early.”
“It’s a luxury to play with Lewandowski, I really enjoy seeing how he finishes and how he connects.
“The president [Joan Laporta] and everyone have done a great job and we’re going to fight until May to make it a very beautiful year for all of us.”
With Lewandowski joining Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Raphinh in moving to Camp Nou ahead of the 2022-23 season, hopes are high that Barca can challenge for silverware – although speculation remains that perhaps he will not be able to register his newbies.
For Xavi, his performance against the Pumas – which featured Barca legend Dani Alves – represented the standard the Catalan giants must hit in every game.
“Everything went well tonight, I’m very happy with a good game and for the fans who were excited. This is the way,” Xavi said.
“We are in a good dynamic of the game and the results, but we have to keep working to make it work. The feelings are good, yes, but there is no need to reduce the tempo or the intensity during the 90 minutes.”
“It’s clear today we relaxed a bit because we went 4-0 up very early and it was a friendly, but you can’t let your guard down in an official competition.”
Barca open their LaLiga campaign at home to Rayo Vallecano next Saturday.