Alexandre Pato’s representative Gilmar Veloz has insisted there is no issue with his lack of playing time since joining Chelsea in January. Pato joined the Blues at the end of the January transfer window, on the back of three weeks’ worth of pre-season training with parent club Corinthians.
Seven weeks later, he has still yet to make his debut, with Chelsea manager Guus Hiidink saying he is not quite fit to play yet. However, speaking with Brazilian radio station Radio Bandeirantes, Veloz insisted there was no overriding issue with the situation.
"England is not like Brazil, where you sign someone and immediately have to play them," Veloz said.
"The manager was clear and said two or three times that Pato has to wait until he’s reached the [fitness] level of the other players. He had four weeks of special training. After the third, he was already starting to get up to speed and waiting for his moment to be in the squad.
"But since he arrived the team has been winning, with the attackers scoring goals.There’s no issue, it’s a normal situation. We have to wait."
With Diego Costa doubtful for the FA Cup tie at Everton this weekend, Hiidink will come under more scrutiny if Pato does not appear yet again. He has only been an unused substitute so far since his arrival in London.
