'Great player' Pedri becoming a 'better leader' at Barcelona as Hansi Flick sings praises of ubiquitous midfielder

Goals from Kounde and Lewandowski secured the win as Barca came from behind to capitalise on Real Madrid's slip up and move to the top of the Spanish top flight. Pedri, who played the full 90 minutes, stood out in the middle of the park with his fine dribbles and ability to carve out chances for the hosts. Flick highlighted Pedri’s pivotal role in the victory, noting his development both as a player and as a leader on the pitch. The coach sees Pedri’s growing influence as crucial to Barcelona’s performance and team cohesion.

"Pedri is special, a great player. He is also becoming a better leader. He is everywhere on the pitch. He gives us control and knows exactly where he should be. He is very good and organises the team very well alongside Frenkie de Jong. I really enjoy those moments," said Flick.

The German also praised the collective effort to bounce back from Sociedad's first-half opener after Kounde levelled matters just before the break and Lewandowski stole the win on the hour mark. He said: “We found it very difficult, but we also deserve this win. I really appreciate how my team is playing, how they perform. It doesn't matter if we change the starting XI a bit, because they all give their all and I love that. I am very proud. It's incredible. I am very happy for them and for the fans.”

Barca were also boosted by the return of Yamal from injury, with the teenager making an immediate impact by setting up Lewandowski's winner a minute after he came off the bench.

“It's very good to have him back," Flick added, before noting the team's effectiveness from set-pieces. “We practice dead ball situations a lot and it's really important to have this strength. We are very happy with how it is going.”

Flick has expertly managed Barcelona’s squad through a congested schedule and injuries to key midfielders Fermin Lopez and Gavi. Despite these challenges, he has maintained tactical balance and team performance, rotating players effectively without losing intensity or control. The team will next face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 1.