Chelsea’s Brazilian striker Joao Pedro wasted no time making an impact in pre-season, netting a rapid nine-minute hat-trick off the bench in a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers—impressing new manager Xabi Alonso and showcasing his determination after missing out on Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Alonso praised the 24-year-old’s drive: “He’s very hungry—Joao is really, really determined to have a great season. After a great last year where he scored many goals, I think that he wants to keep scoring more and more. But we need to help him, as on his own it’s not possible.”
Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Brighton and scored 20 goals in his debut season, credited Alonso’s open and flexible coaching approach for helping him feel “free” on the pitch. “When I play in front I move a lot, so he gives that option for me. Sometimes I can play on the left, sometimes in the middle. So that’s what I’ve learned from him. I want to achieve the highest level possible with the team.”
Despite speculation over Chelsea’s attacking options following the signing of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro is set to remain a key figure as Alonso rebuilds the squad after last season’s disappointing 10th-place finish.
Alonso also offered support for young striker Liam Delap, who struggled to make an impact but remains in the manager’s plans. “I see him in a good mood, in a good desire to get proper fitness, proper football, feeling good, and he’s doing well.”
Chelsea’s pre-season continues with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney, followed by matches in Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as Alonso looks to fine-tune his new-look side.
