Xabi Alonso Thrilled with One Player After Taking Chelsea Helm

Pulse Sports Team 08:05 - 29 July 2026

Spanish football manager Xabi Alonso is delighted with Joao Pedro after his arrival at Chelsea. The Brazilian forward's hat-trick sealed a 6-4 victory in the Londoners' opening pre-season friendly against Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers.

Despite scoring 20 goals across all competitions for Chelsea last season, Pedro failed to secure a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

"Joao is incredibly hungry for goals and determined to improve on his tally from last season. He came on as a substitute against Sydney and delivered a quick hat-trick. I believe our other forwards will gradually follow suit," AFP quoted Xabi Alonso as saying.