Our style of play is different

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has said that Pedri cannot play in the national team as he does at Barcelona. He claimed that the philosophies of both teams are different, prompting a change in position for the midfielder.

De la Fuente made this assertion ahead of Spain’s FIFA World Cup semifinal clash with France on July 14. In an interview with journalist Manu Carreno (via El Larguero), the manager was quizzed about Pedri’s role in the team.

He explained that the style of play at Barcelona and the Spanish national team differs, and he prefers deploying Pedri in a more advanced role or between the lines and said:

“Pedri can’t play with Spain like with Barca. Our style of play is different.”

Pedri has featured in all of Spain’s games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, starting in all except the clash against Belgium. The 23-year-old was surprisingly dropped to the bench against the Red Devils, with De la Fuente opting to start Fabian Ruiz instead.

The coach’s decision paid off as the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star scored the opener before Charles de Kataleraa levelled for Belgium. De la Fuente then sent on Mikel Merino, who scored the winner to send La Furia Roja to the semis.

Pedri, meanwhile, replaced Ruiz in the 55th minute. The Barcelona star has yet to record a goal contribution at the World Cup. He scored twice and provided 12 assists in 43 games for La Blaugrana during the 2025-26 campaign.

Rodri sends strong message to Spain teammate ahead of FIFA World Cup clash with France

Rodri has advised Lamine Yamal to remain calm despite the urge to always want to prove himself. He admitted that the Barcelona star is talented but needs to understand how to control the anxiety to perform.

“He needs to calm down a bit that anxiety he sometimes feels, that urge to prove himself. He’s an incredible player who still has progress to make to understand the flow of a match, normal at his age,” Rodri said.

Yamal have managed just one goal in six outings at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.