Chelsea’s underwhelming Champions League performance against Qarabag saw Enzo Maresca’s experiment of rotating backfire drastically.
Maresca made seven changes to the side who had dominated against Tottenham, however ended up being bailed out by substitute Alejandro Garncho in the second half.
It was a largely uninspiring display from the Blues in Azerbaijan, with Joao Pedro struggling to make a real impact on proceedings.
This is despite playing in his preferred number 10 role, with Tyrique George and later Liam Delap leading the line.
Qarabag FK v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Joao Pedro slams concentration of Chelsea players after Champions League draw
The Brazilian was critical of Chelsea’s ability to deliver a performance for the whole 90 minutes, warning them that their place in next season’s Champions League could be at risk.
He said: “We need to learn how to be able to concentrate for the full game. Because if we start to drop points in the Premier League, it will be tough to be in the Champions League again next year.
“We are playing in the Champions League. If we want to win games, we have to be 100% focused for the whole game.”
🇧🇷 Joao Pedro warns Chelsea teammates over lack of focus: "We need to learn how to be able to concentrate for the full game. Because if we start to drop points in the Premier League, it will be tough to be in the Champions League again next year.
"We are playing in the Champions… pic.twitter.com/IX1l7Pw5IM
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The criticism is valid, and Enzo Maresca hinted as much when discussing Jorrel Hato’s performance after he made a multitude of errors at the back.
However, Pedro’s individual performances have been nothing to shout about recently, and his goal against Tottenham in the last Premier League game was his first strike since August.
Joao Pedro celebrates with his Chelsea teammates after scoring against Tottenham in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro needs to take his own advice
There was plenty expected of Pedro this season after he hit the ground running with three goals in two starts at the end of the Club World Cup.
Two early strikes in the Premier League kept hopes high, however he has struggled to step up and deliver in the absence of Cole Palmer and Delap.
Before the win against Spurs, Pedro was sitting on just three shots on target in the Premier League this season, a figure which is simply not good enough regardless of circumstances.
In comparison, Estevao Willian had more to his name despite playing less than half of the minutes of his countryman.
There is hope that Delap’s return will see Pedro back to his best, with him being given more licence to get involved in the play without the pressure of being the most advanced player.