Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso said Joao Pedro was hungry for victory after scoring a hat-trick in nine minutes in a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on a pre-season tour.
"He is very hungry for victory, Joao is really determined to have a great season," Xabi Alonso said on Chelsea's official website which was monitored in Jakarta, Wednesday.
After arriving from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, Joao Pedro immediately made a positive impression on the blue team, scoring in the semi-finals and finals in the victorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Then, the Brazilian striker's performance improved during his debut season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and being named the Best Player of the Season by the fans.
Joao Pedro. (Instagram @joaopedro.oficial)
Unfortunately, there was disappointment at the start of the summer. The 24-year-old was not included in the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
However, according to Alonso, the Blues' number 20 player has returned to pre-season training with a burning passion.
"He wants, after last year's incredible year, where he scored a lot of goals, I think he wants to continue to score more goals. But we need to help him, because alone it's impossible," he said.
He explained, Joao will be surrounded by other players and they also need to have the same desire to score goals.
"It's not just about the striker, but every time we win and our striker scores, I'm happy," he said.
After playing against Western Sydney Wanderers, Chelsea will continue the preseason match against Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus, before facing AC Milan which is scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta on August 8.
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