Joao Pedro: Maresca shares tactical reason for trusting new signing over Jackson

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained the thinking behind trusting Joao Pedro from the off against Fluminense instead of Nicolas Jackson. 

The Senegal forward has strikingly not started since returning from suspension, with Liam Delap playing from the off against Palmeiras and the new signing from Brighton & Hove Albion utilised against his boyhood club.

Despite Delap’s suspension against Fluminense, many observers expected Jackson to return to the XI; however, Maresca had other ideas, trusting Joao Pedro. 

The decision paid off, as the Blues ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, with the new acquisition scoring both goals.

Speaking after the game, the Chelsea head coach analysed the situation, citing Joao Pedro’s superiority against low blocks as to why the ex-Brighton man started ahead of Jackson. 

“We knew against a low block that Joao was going to help us because he has quality in the last third against teams that defend deep,” noted Maresca. “He showed today how good he is, but it’s just the beginning.

“We knew already how good Joao is. Today, he was playing a little deep, and we know how good he is at dropping and linking [with his team-mates]. He is very good technically in small spaces, and that’s why we decided to bring him here.”

Chelsea will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in Sunday’s final, aiming to cap off an encouraging season with a second title after the Conference League.