Striker Pedro says Barcelona’s pre-season may have been better if they had stayed at home, although he understands the reasoning.
The Spanish international, who himself had a good build-up to the new campaign – 125 minutes in two games, four goals and an assist – has shrugged off a slight niggle and hopes to be available for the home game with Levante on Sunday.
“I feel good and expect to be ready for it. The team is also in good shape for the difficult start we face, both in La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana, and it will not be easy.
“If we had stayed here [in Spain] over the summer then perhaps we would have been able to prepare better, but going away made it a bit more interesting.
“The conditions were not the best but you have to accept these things,” he told a Press conference.
Pedro spoke of the competition he faces to break into Tata Martino’s starting line-up next term, something he says he is used to.
“Every year there is competition in attack. Neymar’s arrival means we now have one of the best players in the world in our team.
“He is very quick and does lots of interesting things [on the ball]. Alongside Messi he will bring a lot of joy to the team and the fans.
“However, it will be up to the Coach to decide. Obviously we all want to play and we’ll have to fight for a spot,” he explained.
