Pedri Warns Ferran Torres Ahead of Barcelona PSG Clash

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has highlighted the challenge facing his team against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while joking about his friendship with Ferran Torres ahead of the meeting. Speaking before the high-profile European clash, the 23-year-old also praised Ousmane Dembele's development and emphasized the quality of the reigning European champions across the pitch.

The fixture brings familiar faces together, including Dembele, who previously played alongside Pedri at Barcelona, and Torres, who has a close relationship with the Spanish midfielder through their time together with the national team. Barcelona are preparing for a demanding period under manager Hansi Flick, with important domestic and European matches on the schedule.

Pedri used his friendship with Torres to deliver a playful message before the encounter, making clear that his wishes for the forward would be limited to the upcoming match.

"I hope he doesn't have any luck in this match, that he doesn't score. I wish him luck for the rest of the season. I have a very good relationship with him, and we talk a lot when we're with the national team," Pedri joked.

The Barcelona midfielder also reflected on his former teammate Dembele, recalling the French international's remarkable technical ability during training sessions in Catalonia. Pedri said that although Dembele regularly demonstrated exceptional skills, his performances were previously less consistent than they are now.

Pedri believes the winger has since fulfilled his potential and established himself among the world's leading players. His assessment highlighted the difference between the talent Dembele displayed in training and the consistent impact he now delivers at the highest level.

"In training, I saw him do incredible things; he was good, but he was more inconsistent than he is now, when he has exploded onto the scene and become a world-class player," Pedri said.

Turning to the Champions League contest, Pedri acknowledged the depth and balance of the PSG squad under Luis Enrique. The midfielder pointed to the French side's attacking threats and ability to control possession in midfield as key challenges for Barcelona.

Pedri also highlighted PSG's recent European achievements as evidence of the scale of the task awaiting his team. Barcelona will need to contend with quality throughout the opposition lineup as they seek to compete in the high-profile encounter.

"They have a lot of quality up front, players who make a difference and know how to control the game in midfield. I'm not going to reveal anything new: they have won the last two Champions Leagues," Pedri said.

Despite recognizing PSG's strength, Pedri rejected the idea that the match should be treated as a final. He said Barcelona want to maintain their positive momentum while using the contest to assess their current level against one of Europe's strongest sides.

"It's a difficult match against a tough opponent, but it's not a final. We want to win and maintain our good momentum. It's a match to see where we stand," Pedri explained.