"It's too soon for Pedri and Olmo to play the full ninety minutes. There are many matches in the coming weeks and this is a very long season. Olmo needs time; there were options for him to come in, the same with Pedri. They'll be on the bench and might get some playing time, but there are many matches in the coming weeks, in the next month; it's a long road until the end of the season. Perhaps it's too soon for them to play 90 minutes."
"We have many players from our youth academy who know exactly how we have to play and what we have to do in this match. It's difficult; we already know it's a tough game. The attitude and mentality must be 100%, and we also need to maintain good positioning on the field."
"It's a match like any other, but of course it's special for him. There's a good coach there, he gave him confidence. Now I'm happy he's with us."
Pedri and Olmo were named on the bench to avoid playing a full 90 minutes due to a congested schedule and the long season ahead. Olmo is still adjusting and both players could be introduced from the bench for limited minutes as part of load management. Several youth academy players are available and understand the tactical approach required for the derby. The team must maintain full attitude, mentality, and good positional discipline. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia experienced a hostile reception against his former club, and his prior coach is credited with giving him confidence.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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