Pedro Neto Explains Why No Chelsea Player Can Get Any Sleep Right Now
Pedro Neto has shed light on the intense competition that has engulfed Chelsea’s dressing room, explaining that no player can afford to rest on their laurels—literally or figuratively—at the club. For fans wondering why the atmosphere seems so tense and why players appear laser-focused, Neto’s answer is simple: the club’s newfound depth is forcing everyone to push their limits.
This might come as a surprise to some, especially considering Neto was one of the unexpected transfers during the summer window. However, the Portuguese winger’s arrival was celebrated by Chelsea fans, adding another layer of quality to a squad that had been in transition under the new ownership.
The Blues have undergone a significant overhaul over the past couple of seasons, leaving behind their once-inconsistent performances to embrace a new era of competitiveness. Several managers came and went, and many players who were once cornerstones of the team were shown the exit door. However, the rebuild, which saw Chelsea introduce a slew of talented players like Neto, is now starting to pay off.
In recent weeks, the squad has shown glimpses of its potential. However, it’s not just the fans feeling the excitement of the club’s progress; it’s the players, too, who are keenly aware that no spot in the starting XI is guaranteed.
“When you arrive at a big club, it’s a new adaptation,” Neto remarked, speaking to The Evening Standard. “Maybe in Wolverhampton, I was going to play 90 per cent of the games. Here, I have to work even more, or maybe I’ll not play because the coach will rotate the players.”
For a player used to being a constant presence on the pitch, Neto’s comments underscore the heightened sense of urgency at Chelsea, where competition for a starting spot is as fierce as ever. The pressure is evident, with the talented winger admitting that no player can afford to slack off. “With the amount of quality that we have here, no one can sleep,” Neto continued. “As the coach has said: ‘Everyone will not play every game.’”
The message from manager Enzo Maresca has been clear: no player is untouchable, and rotation will be the key to success this season. This leaves players like Neto constantly pushing themselves in training and on match days to stay relevant.
“We have to work hard and make for ourselves,” said Neto. “And continue to do it every weekend, every training session, every game. It’s the mentality that I hope can take us to the top.”
The winger’s words capture the fierce competitive edge within the squad. Despite being in an adaptation phase, players are expected to bring their best to every session and every match, knowing that the slightest drop in performance could see them benched. It’s a positive headache for Pochettino, who now has an abundance of attacking talent at his disposal.
For Chelsea fans, this heightened competition is a refreshing change from the inconsistency of recent seasons. As the Blues look to challenge for top honors, it seems the sleepless nights are far from a burden—they’re a sign of ambition, a signal that Chelsea is back in the race for silverware.
Pedro Neto Explains Why No Chelsea Player Can Get Any Sleep Right Now