Pedri says stomach trouble—not injury—forced Barcelona substitution

Pedri explains why he came off against Galatasaray

Barcelona midfielder Pedri said he asked to be substituted during Tuesday’s match against Galatasaray because he had stomach pain and felt unwell—not because he had suffered an injury.

“Nothing major, my stomach hurt and I felt a bit unwell, so it was better to ask for a change so that someone fresh could come in,” Pedri told Movistar after Barcelona came from behind to win 4-1.

Barcelona responded after a difficult first half

Pedri said Barcelona rushed their play after conceding, but was pleased with the team’s reaction after the break. He described the atmosphere as difficult and said the side improved by staying calmer and working to unsettle their opponents.

He also looked ahead to Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures against Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, calling them important matches. “Let’s enjoy them and, above all, win,” he said.