Ronald Koeman believes Spain should have given Barcelona teenager Pedri a rest rather than call him up for the Olympic Games.
The midfielder was a key part of the Spain squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, becoming the first ever player to start six games in a single European Championship or World Cup aged 18 or below.
Instead of being given time off before the start of Barcelona s LaLiga campaign, Pedri is in Japan for the Olympic football tournament.
Spain play their first game in Group C against Egypt on July 22 before fixtures with Argentina and Australia.
Koeman told a media conference: Pedri has played a lot. We will have to give him a break, everyone needs it during the [European] summer.
As Pep Guardiola said, playing two important tournaments in the summer is too much, but we can t do anything.
Pedri s European Championship was phenomenal. At the age of 18 he has played almost all the complete matches, with an impressive maturity.
His football continues to improve and he is a very honest and calm boy. He lives for football. He is an example of how to be a young man at Barca.
It is important for our grassroots football, that young people see that they are in a club that gives them opportunities.
Also in Spain s squad for the tournament is defender Eric Garcia, who re-joined Barca from Manchester City on a free transfer.
Koeman tipped the 20-year-old former Barca academy player to have a big impact on the first team when he is able to link up with the club following the Olympics.
He has had a great European Championship, Koeman said.
He comes from here and, despite his youth, he already has a lot of experience. He plays in the same position I did.
With the ball he is very good and we can improve from behind with him. He also has projection and a great future ahead.
Meanwhile, Koeman hopes Ousmane Dembele can make a swift return from injury.
The France forward, whose contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the 2021-22 season, is recovering from surgery on a knee injury sustained at Euro 2020 that is expected to keep him out for four months.
Dembele s career since his move to Barca from Borussia Dortmund for €105million four years ago has been blighted by injury setbacks.
The 24-year-old has managed just 54 LaLiga starts in four seasons at Camp Nou, while last season he completed 90 minutes in the league on just five occasions.
I am very disappointed with his injury, Koeman added.
Also, the situation with his contract is complicated. It is a pity for himself and for us.
He brought us a lot last year, different from what we have. I hope he can come back soon.
