Joao Pedro says a change in Chelsea’s setup has helped him make a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge. The forward credited Xabi Alonso’s approach with giving him the conditions to excel in the Premier League, and recalled speaking with Cole Palmer early on to make sure they were on the same page.

Alonso has settled on a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Pedro leading the attack as Chelsea look more connected than in recent seasons. The Brazilian sees the system as key to his early-season form, which has established him among the league's most efficient scorers.

"At Chelsea I feel very comfortable," the Brazilian said during an interview with ESPN. "It's a different season, with a coach who gives me a lot of confidence, and I think that's a big part of my performance so far this season."

After joining from the Amex in 2025, Pedro moved quickly to address any doubts about how he and Palmer would fit together. He spoke directly with the England international, making clear that he saw himself as a partner who could add to Palmer’s strengths—not a rival for the same place in the team.

"I told him I was coming to help, that I didn't want to take his spot -- nothing like that," Pedro explained. "And that's where a friendship was born that we carry on both on and off the field. And I think what helps me a lot -- and now Morgan [Rogers] too -- is that we have a really great friendship on and off the field; we're always joking around."

ASA