Joao Pedro praised Enzo Maresca at the press conference ahead of Fluminense-Chelsea at the World Cup. The striker could start in the absence of Liam Delap through suspension.
Chelsea’s new signing Joao Pedro, who made his debut just two days after his signing was made official, said on Monday that his “dream” was to join a club as big as the Blues.
“Chelsea are a big club and my dream has always been to play for a big club and win trophies. Chelsea have a great team, a young team, and that’s why I came here,” he told the media on the eve of the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.
Enzo Maresca’s side trained at the Orangeburg (New York, USA) facility of MLS side New York City FC, which is part of the Manchester City group.
Before training with his team-mates, Joao Pedro explained to reporters how he had made an express arrival at Chelsea, given that he was enjoying the summer in his country, his signing was announced on 2nd July, he immediately joined the US training camp and on 4th July he played against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
“I was on holiday, but I always train during my holidays. Whether I’m going to start or not (against Fluminense), that’s not my decision. But I’m trying to improve to be ready in case Enzo (Maresca) needs me,” he said.
The youngster, who could have a place in the starting eleven due to Liam Delap’s suspension, stressed that Maresca is a “very good and very intelligent” coach and noted that he “tries to make the game easy” for his players.
Finally, Joao Pedro spoke about what it means for him to face Fluminense, the club where he started his football career before making the leap to Europe.
“I spent many years there, I grew up there. I think it will be an incredible experience for me. But now I play for Chelsea and I need to be focused on my team,” he argued.