Barcelona forward Pedro says talk of him leaving the Catalan club is “logical” and admitted to frustration with a lack of playing time under manager Luis Enrique.
Pedro’s first-team action has been significantly reduced due to Barcelona’s attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
The 27-year-old has started 12 La Liga matches this season and has been substituted in seven of those appearances. He has also started just two of Barcelona’s Champions League fixtures this season.
Yesterday, the Spain international completed his 50th cap for Spain during their 2-0 defeat to Holland.
After the contest, Pedro was asked about the increasing speculation which has linked him to a move away from Barcelona. Arsenal and Liverpool have been rumored as possible destinations for the player, who began his career in La Blaugrana’s youth system at the age of seventeen.
“When you do not have the playing time, of course you do not feel like one of the important players,” Pedro said.
“Playing few games, not many minutes, it is normal that there can be talk of leaving, that is logical. It is the same for all players, everyone wants to play. When you do not play in important games, then it is a difficult situation.”
This is not the first time Pedro has voiced his displeasure with the situation at the club.
In February, the Spaniard hinted at a possible exit due to Barcelona’s lack of continuity.
In recent weeks, it has been reported that Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is considering “reinventing” Pedro as a right-back in an effort to fill the gap which could soon be vacated by the departure of Dani Alves – given that the club will not be able to sign any new players until January 2016.
Enrique and his staff believe Pedro’s physique, attacking prowess and speed are perfectly suited for full-backs in Barcelona’s system.
A similar situation occurred when former Valencia boss Unai Emery converted Jordi Alba to left-back in 2009. Alba began his career as a midfielder but was asked to play a more defensive role under Emery.
Since that time, Alba has been almost used exclusively at left-back and is considered one of Europe’s best player’s at that position.
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