Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has hailed Chelsea star and former Seagulls star Joao Pedro ahead of their clash in the Premier League this weekend. The Brazilian left the South Coast club to join the Blues this summer in a deal reportedly worth 63.7 million euros.
Speaking to the press ahead of his team’s clash with the World Champions, Hurzeler said:
“Joao was a special player for us and it’s not easy to replace him one-to-one but we did it as team and we did it quite well, There’s always a process, new players have to step in, new young players with big potential have to step in. They have to prove themselves every weekend that they are ready for that but they need time.
“Second thing, of course, Joao is a special player. He proved it already at Chelsea in the first [few] games. He played well. He scored goals. He’s very good in position. He is a game changer for them. We have to defend as a team, as a unit. I’m sure we are capable of doing that.”
Joao Pedro has been a fine addition to the Chelsea team, instantly helping them to the Club World Cup weeks after his arrival and bagging five goals and three assists in his nine games for the team.
Chelsea Consider Ibrahima Konate Move
According to reports, Chelsea are considering a move for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in the summer. The French defender is in the final year of his contract with the English champions and could leave Merseyside if he and The Reds fail to agree on an extension.
Konate joined from RB Leipzig for a reported 40 million Euro fee. He has gone on to make 139 appearances for Liverpool, scoring five times and making four assists to help the side to two League Cups, an FA Cup, and an EPL title.
If Chelsea hope to sign the 26-year-old, they will likely face competition from Real Madrid for his services, with Los Blancos also linked with a move for Konate.
