Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that his side must improve defensively after an entertaining start to the season that has seen the team score freely while also conceding too many goals.
The Blues are joint-top scorers in the Premier League after netting eight goals in their opening three matches, but they have also allowed seven goals at the other end.
Their unpredictable start continued on Wednesday when Chelsea fell 2-0 behind against Leeds in the third round of the League Cup before producing a remarkable comeback to secure a 6-3 victory.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Alonso, who is in his first season as Chelsea manager, described the team as a work in progress following major changes to the squad. He said his objective was to preserve their attacking threat while making them more organised and difficult to break down.
“We want to be more competitive, to be as good or even better in attack because I think there is room for improvement and to have the balance, to feel solid as well and to feel strong in defence,” he told reporters on Friday.
“We want not to concede that many goals and that’s the work of everyone, from the strikers to the goalkeeper.”
Chelsea recorded surprisingly low possession figures in their first two league games against Fulham and Brighton but still won both matches before suffering defeat against defending champions Arsenal last weekend.
Alonso said his players needed to develop the ability to adjust to different circumstances during matches, stressing that every game comes with its own demands.
“We are still in the early days to know what this team for sure is going to be,” he said.
“I think that we will develop many things, we will develop with players, important players, they are joining and they are able to play.”
The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager also warned that Hull would provide a difficult test when they visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
“They (have) seven points, no goals conceded, they will be hard to beat, they have their weapons as well,” he said.
“With transitions, set-pieces, they have the belief, the coach is doing a great job.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea confirmed on Friday that Portugal international Pedro Neto, 26, had agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2032.
“It’s an unbelievable moment,” said the winger, who joined Chelsea in 2024.
“From when I arrived, I have always felt like the people here helped me a lot.
“I feel like home here, I feel like I want to achieve more things here.”
Source: AFP
