Pedri’s form questioned as Barcelona seek response against Alaves

Barcelona are looking to end a difficult spell quickly after successive defeats by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou, with attention now turning to their La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026.

The Barcelona players have already shifted their focus to the match against the side managed by Quique Sanchez Flores. However, Pedri has faced particular criticism following the two losses, according to Manolo Lama of Cadena COPE, as reported by Sport.

Lama’s main concern is that the midfielder has not yet reached his best physical condition. He said: “To be a top-level player, you have to be at the peak of your physical condition.”

The journalist believes Pedri’s fitness is having a direct effect on the way he plays, particularly the accuracy of his passing.

“I have seen that he has a physical problem,” Lama said. “When he has a physical problem, the accuracy of his passes is not what it was before.”

Lama also described Pedri as a player who appears to tire unusually early in matches.

“He looks tired after the first 10 minutes of the game,” he said, adding that this could explain why the Barcelona midfielder lacks energy during the closing stages of matches.

The presenter of Tiempo de Juego then compared Pedri’s situation with that of Pablo Barrios, regarded as one of the most talented players in La Liga.

“When feelings of fatigue build up in a player, they lose their vitality,” Lama said. “Your mind no longer works at the same speed as your legs, and that is something which is clearly visible.”

Juanma Castano, presenter of El Partidazo on Cadena COPE, noted that Pedri had already lost his place in the starting line-up during the World Cup.

Castano nevertheless believes Barcelona presents a different situation for the midfielder. He said it would be impossible for the same thing to happen at the club because Pedri generally produces strong performances.

Miguel Rico, meanwhile, identified what he considered to be Pedri’s main difficulty against Real Madrid. He said the problem had “a first name and a surname” Bernardo Silva.

“That player has a great deal of experience, is strong when required, and is also a top-class footballer,” Rico said.

Barcelona’s next opportunity to respond will come against Deportivo Alaves as they attempt to move beyond the disappointment of their defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.