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Chelsea have fallen behind in the race for qualification to the UEFA Champions League, but Joao Pedro has backed the Blues to end the season strongly.
Joao Pedro believes Chelsea can beat Manchester City, so long as they remain focused. The Blues will lock horns with Pep Guardiola's side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as they look to leapfrog Liverpool in the race for qualification to the Champions League.
Earlier this week, UEFA awarded the Premier League an additional European Performance Spots (EPS), meaning fifth in the table will secure a place in Europe's top-flight competition next season. As it stands, just a point separates Chelsea from Liverpool, who currently sit in the hallowed spot.
Fortunately for the west Londoners, they have the chance to take points from two of the top five – the Reds and Manchester United – before the end of the campaign. Chelsea are chasing the pack, and Pedro knows exactly how to narrow the deficit.
In an interview with club media, the 24-year-old striker said: "Everyone is focused on what we have to do. City have a great squad, and they are in good shape, but we are Chelsea, and we have a lot of quality as well.
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"I think the game will be decided by details. Whoever makes fewer mistakes in the game will win. We have tough games ahead, but it depends on us. The squad is very focused on what we have to do, and hopefully, in the end, we can achieve what the manager and the club wants."
Pedro has featured 31 times in the Premier League this season, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists. Even when the Brazil international hasn't been among the action in the final third, he's led the frontline brilliantly.
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He continued: "Of course, I’m very happy. I think it’s one of the best seasons of my life. I think the expectations from me were high, so I try to keep my mentality always forward to help my team-mates.
"If I don’t score in one game, Reece [James] and my team-mates come to me and say, ‘Joao, you’ve got to score in the next one!’. I’ll try to keep my stats as high as possible.
"When I joined here, I came here to win trophies and give my best for Chelsea. When I was younger, I was watching the Premier League and my dream was to be one of these players here in England, playing for a big club. Now is my time and I need to enjoy it.’
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, Rosenior listed just three things that his side need to do to beat Manchester City. The Chelsea boss said: "We're a very good team.
"We've gone through a difficult run, even though in that run we were punished for mistakes. There were good moments. When I actually analysed the games that we've had, we've caused every team we've played against problems, but haven't had the results for that.
"We need to make sure that we keep the back door shut. We need to not switch off. We need to not make mistakes because Manchester City will punish you. But I still want us to go out and play our game..."
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