Flick’s careful Pedri plan is designed to peak in 2027

Pedri’s outstanding display in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday underlined his importance to Hansi Flick’s side, but the midfielder’s workload is being managed with a longer-term target in mind.

The 23-year-old was influential throughout the match, reinforcing his status as a central figure in Barcelona’s midfield and demonstrating the difference he can make to the team’s performance.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Flick remains fully aware of Pedri’s value. The Germany manager has consistently entrusted the midfield to the player from the Canary Islands, and although the arrival of Rodri has significantly strengthened Barcelona’s options, the number eight remains a cornerstone of Flick’s plans at Camp Nou.

That importance is expected to be particularly clear when Barcelona enter the decisive stages of their pursuit of trophies. Flick’s broader objective is for Pedri to reach his physical peak by 2027.

The approach represents a clear change from the way Pedri was used during Flick’s first two seasons in charge. At the start of the current campaign, the manager altered how he handled the midfielder’s playing time, with Pedri’s best physical condition coming when he maintains a consistent rhythm and plays every three days.

However, the demands of an increasingly congested schedule require careful management. In the modern game, players are unlikely to avoid minor injuries or physical problems without sufficient recovery time.

Pedri has appeared in all 16 of Barcelona’s matches this season and has accumulated 1111 minutes. Only Lamine Yamal, with 1355 minutes, goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with 1305, and Pau Cubarsi, with 1142, have played more.

Despite those figures, Pedri has completed 90 minutes in only three matches, representing 18.75% of his appearances. He has played more than 75 minutes seven times, but on the other occasions he has been withdrawn before the 85th minute.

That contrasts with his workload in Flick’s first two campaigns. In 2024/2025, Pedri completed 23 of the 59 matches in which he played, a rate of 38.9%. He was substituted in another seven games from the 88th minute onwards, effectively missing only stoppage time.

Last season, he started and finished 18 of 43 matches, giving him a completion rate of 41.8%. He was also taken off in five further games before the fourth official indicated stoppage time.

Although the current percentage is considerably lower, the figures point to a deliberate attempt by Flick to protect Pedri and keep him available for the most important matches.

Barcelona’s midfield depth gives the manager greater flexibility. Following Frenkie de Jong’s recovery, Flick can also call on Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Bernal, while Dani Olmo and Rodri are currently injured.

After the final international break of 2026, Barcelona will play eight matches in less than a month. The schedule includes demanding fixtures against Manchester City, Atletico Madrid again, Villarreal and Real Sociedad.

Flick’s handling of Pedri will also depend on the midfielder’s minutes for Spain in the final two rounds of the Nations League. The intention is to preserve his role as Barcelona’s midfield leader and ensure he begins 2027 in peak condition.