Interviews

De Zerbi: I want more from Joao Pedro

Forward has scored three goals in last two appearances.

By Charlie Hanson • 24 September 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Joao Pedro took his tally up to four goals for the campaign with his brace against AEK Athens.

Roberto De Zerbi believes there’s still a lot more to come from Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian scored twice from the penalty spot on Thursday night in our 3-2 defeat to AEK Athens, taking his tally for the campaign up to four goals.

His head coach, though, sees plenty of room for improvement.

18:53

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UEL Extended Highlights: Brighton 2 AEK Athens 3

“Joao Pedro can play better and better. He’s a good guy and I want to help him to reach one level higher.

“He can play better with his teammates, he can play better in our style, he can improve to become a complete player. He has incredible potential and I want everything from him.

“He can play number ten and in that situation he can be smarter so he can find the right position to receive the ball between the lines.

By Paul Hazlewood
The forward joined us from Watford in the summer.

“When he plays like a striker, he has to be smarter to attack the space, but my work is to improve the players.

“I am strong with him. I am strong with a young player when I understand the potential, so I push. We are fighting together so that we reach one level higher.”

16:34

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De Zerbi's Bournemouth press conference: Europa League and injury updates