João Pedro credits team-mates and Xabi Alonso’s trust for strong start

João Pedro credits the quality of his Chelsea team-mates and the trust shown in him by Xabi Alonso for his strong start. The Brazilian believes the coach has given him responsibility through the middle of the attack, and that confidence has contributed to his performances. He also says the standard of the players around him has helped him raise his level.

“I think so, yes — especially here at Chelsea, where I am surrounded by world-class players such as Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moisés Caicedo,” he said. For João Pedro, playing alongside team-mates of that quality has been important to his progress. Before joining the club, he had also noticed the possibility of playing as a number nine while watching Chelsea’s attacking setup.

His move into that role was also shaped by an opportunity he had identified during his time at Brighton. He had followed the situation up front and considered that the position could suit him, including when he came up against Chelsea. The change reflects a different role from the one he had played previously: João Pedro had operated further back in attack.

He was keen, however, to dismiss the idea that he had moved to Stamford Bridge to compete with Cole Palmer. “I told him I had come to help, that I didn’t want to take his place — nothing like that,” he explained. His account frames the move as a chance to contribute to the team, not to displace his team-mate.

The Brazilian also says he is comfortable with the way Xabi Alonso manages him. He describes this as a different season, with his coach giving him confidence, and believes that backing has been a significant part of his performances so far. Chelsea’s attacking options also allow him to link up with creative players rather than carry the burden alone.

The challenge now is to maintain that output over the course of the season. João Pedro wants to turn an encouraging start into consistent performances, with the coach’s confidence and his role through the middle forming important parts of his adaptation at Chelsea.