SPORTS: Chelsea's Pedro finding English football life difficult

 

 Pedro is finding it difficult to adapt to English football.

The Spain international forward joined Chelsea in a £21.4million deal this summer, but has struggled to hold down a regular place.

Pedro said: “It’s hard. It’s very different to what I’m used to [at Barcelona].

"But, little by little, I’m integrating more, adapting with my team-mates and the team and that’s the most important thing.

“Everything is different, very different to the football I’m used to. I think there are a lot of differences, very physical football, very strong.

“A lot of players attack and it’s always complicated. All the games are competitive and very balanced.”

Blues boss Jose Mourinho played Pedro in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and left superstar Eden Hazard on the bench.

He said that Willian and Pedro were selected due to their willingness to help out defensively.

"I left out Hazard because are conceding lots of goals," Mourinho said. "It was a tactical decision.

"We needed midfield players to be concerned with being solid.

"I continue that way [leaving Hazard out] or he comes in our direction, and tries to play that way.


"I told players this is not the moment to think about personal situation, or moan, to be selfish.

"This is a moment for the team. I asked them to look at the picture in a different way. I have to try bring results back."

The result moved Chelsea seven points away from the relegation zone.