Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said that club forward Pedro Neto will decide if he is ready to face Palmeiras in Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal clash.
This is coming after Neto’s compatriot and close friend, Diogo Jota, died in an unfortunate car accident.
Speaking to the press ahead of the important match, Maresca revealed that the Portuguese winger did not partake in the latest training session and he is under no pressure to feature in the game if he does not feel ready.
According to him, Neto has been very sad since Jota died, and the club will do everything possible to support him while he mourns the loss of a brother
“Pedro is very sad, probably more than sad.
But we are close to Pedro to support him in this moment. It’s completely Pedro’s decision [if he wants to play]. I had a chat with him this morning, and we support him. Any decision he takes is the right one.
We will support him in any case. If he is on the pitch tomorrow or not, we will support him,” he said.
The manager further noted that the shocking death has left everyone short of words, stressing that most footballers currently feel helpless after the player’s demise.
He concluded by praying for the family to have enough strength to bear the painful loss.
“It’s very sad day, and I struggle to find words. It’s very difficult, the feeling that you have is helplessness in this situation. The only thing I can say is all my love for his [Jota’s] family in this big tragedy,” he added.
