Joao Pedro said he feels “very comfortable” at Chelsea and said his performances this season have been helped by the confidence given to him by his coach. The forward scored 20 goals in 50 games in his debut season at Stamford Bridge last year and has five goals in seven appearances so far this season.
What Joao Pedro said about Chelsea
Speaking to ESPN ahead of the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, Joao Pedro said: “At Chelsea I feel very comfortable.”
He also said: “It's a different season, with a coach who gives me a lot of confidence, and I think that's a big part of my performance so far this season.”
Atmosphere and adaptation
Joao Pedro said the atmosphere at Chelsea has helped his development in recent months. He said: “I think so, yes - especially here at Chelsea, where I'm surrounded by world-class players like Cole Palmer, Reece and Moises Caicedo.”
He added: “I think my adjustment went well because it had been a while since there was a No. 9 here. Ever since my time at Brighton, I'd been keeping an eye on that spot - even when I played against them, I knew it could be an opportunity for me - and, thank God, when I arrived, Cole was a great friend to me; he reached out to me and talked to me.”
He continued: “I told him I was coming to help, that I didn't want to take his spot - nothing like that. And that's where a friendship was born that we carry on both on and off the field. And I think what helps me a lot - and now Morgan too - is that we have a really great friendship on and off the field; we're always joking around.”
He said: “I think that's why - I think the players were really friendly toward me when I arrived; they welcomed me with open arms, wanted to help me, and were willing to do so - so I think that's why I adapted so well.”
Season numbers and contract
Joao Pedro scored 20 goals in 50 games during his debut season at Stamford Bridge last year. Chelsea finalised a contract extension agreement with him in August.
Joao Pedro missed Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
His view on the start of the season
Joao Pedro said: “I have Cole and Morgan there to help me, to feed me the passes - you can see that the start of the season has been really good. So I think it's going to be a really good season for us.”