‘Happy for him’ - Joao Pedro dismisses worries over Chelsea competition for places after Liam Delap bags brace in AC Milan thrashing

Liam Delap Joao Pedro Chelsea 2025-26

New Chelsea forward Joao Pedro claims he is not losing sleep over competition with fellow new signing Liam Delap for a starting lineup slot at No.9. The forward duo are part of a big group of players who moved to Stamford Bridge this summer after Enzo Maresca decided to rebuild his team ahead of the Blues' return to the Champions League this season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pedro and Delap were both on target as the Blues defeated AC Milan 4-1 in their final pre-season match ahead of the new campaign. Pedro, who started as the team's No.9, scored one goal in the first half, while Delap found the back of the net twice. The former Ipswich Town star replaced Pedro at the hour mark and then stole the limelight from the Brazilian with his double.

joao pedro

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pedro, who has now scored five goals in as many appearances for Chelsea, is not worried about facing competition from Delap in the starting lineup under Maresca and is ready to take up the challenge.

WHAT PEDRO SAID

Speaking to reporters after the friendly game, the Brazil international said: "Like I said when I came, Chelsea have a brilliant team, a young team, so it makes it easy for me to come and do my best with them. I don't want to say competition, I think it is very good for Chelsea to have two strikers of a very good level. Last game he (Delap) did not score, today he scored two goals. I am very happy for him."

Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues will kick off the new season on Sunday as they host Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.