Joao Pedro has demanded that his Chelsea teammates start taking responsibility following another dismal performance that extended their losing run to six league matches.
Chelsea’s Joao Pedro breaks silence: “It’s about us players, not the coach”
The Brazilian striker at least provided a rare moment of joy for the travelling fans with a spectacular stoppage-time bicycle kick, but that only reduced the final score to 3-1 against Nottingham Forest.
The goal ended Chelsea’s barren run of nearly ten hours without a Premier League goal a small consolation on another painful afternoon.
“We concede too early and against Nottingham, it is difficult to change the game,” Joao Pedro said after the match.
“Everyone needs to look to themselves, me also included. I feel sorry for the fans.”
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane did not hide his frustration. He revealed his side had specifically prepared for Forest’s back-post crosses, only to concede exactly that way inside the first 15 minutes.
Enzo Fernandez hit the post, Cole Palmer missed a penalty, and Joao Pedro saw an offside goal ruled out but McFarlane admitted the team never recovered from that dreadful start.
Joao Pedro, however, refused to blame the coaching staff. “I don’t think it is about the coach. It is about us players to improve. Everyone needs to step up.”
The forward insists motivation remains high despite the increasingly remote hopes of Champions League qualification. “We still need to fight for every point and every game,” he added.
But words have rung hollow before at Chelsea this season. Joao Pedro at least appears willing to lead by example. Whether his teammates follow remains the real question.
