Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists Joao Pedro is “not a problem” despite a recent lack of goals as they prepare to take on Wolves.
The two clubs will play in the fourth round of the League Cup at Molineux on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm BST.
The Blues hope to bounce back from a shock defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend by securing a place in the quarter-finals.
“Absolutely. It’s three games away from the final, so we have to have the desire to play for that. We have to take it one game at a time. Hopefully, after winning the game, we can think about the next one,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.
Asked whether Chelsea are better suited to perform well in cup competitions, Maresca added: “I don’t know. I try to concentrate from match to match, regardless of the competition, and try to go as far as we can. All competitions are important for Chelsea.”
Chelsea boss insists goal-shy Joao Pedro is ‘no problem’
Joao Pedro got off to a good start at Chelsea following his £60million move from Brighton in the summer, but has failed to score in his seven games.
Maresca suggested the Brazilian was not fully fit at the moment, while claiming he was not signed as a pure goalscorer for the team.
“Certainly, the physical part is important,” he said. “If you’re not 100 percent it’s hard to compete. Joao is no problem.
“He will score goals and give us assists. He will not score twenty goals a year. He has a different profile.”
Former Wolves star Pedro Neto has been in top form of late, registering three goals in his last two Premier League appearances.
“He is great, very humble and works hard,” Maresca added. “He is a very important player for us. We are very happy.”
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