Xabi Alonso has previewed Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Leeds United
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is expecting an “intense” meeting with Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
An old rivalry is set to be renewed tomorrow (September 9), when the Blues will host the Whites under the Stamford Bridge lights.
Leeds will be hoping to keep their unbeaten run going after avoiding defeat across their opening four games this season, while Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal at the weekend.
Meetings between the clubs often prove fiery and Alonso is anticipating plenty of duels.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso expects an "intense" meeting with Leeds United.placeholder image
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso expects an "intense" meeting with Leeds United. | John Walton/PA Wire
Xabi Alonso on Leeds United test
When asked if his group needs to become meaner, as reported by Football.London, Alonso responded: “We want to compete. I don't know, 'meaner', or whatever, but we want to compete because that's the best way to win games.
“You need to adapt to compete and it comes in two ways. It comes in the football way and it comes in the spirit and mentality side and in everything we can get better.
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“They need that tomorrow night against Leeds, don't they? Because Leeds is going to be quite a rivalry game.
“Tomorrow we are expecting a very, very intense game, very tough, very many situations of duels, but we need to try to cope with that, find solutions and know that this is going to be an important game tomorrow.”
Leeds United and Chelsea have had some tense battles over the years.placeholder image
Leeds United and Chelsea have had some tense battles over the years. | Michael Steele/Getty Images
Chelsea being a work in progress
Leeds last met with Chelsea in April, suffering a 1-0 defeat under the Wembley arch in the FA Cup semi-final.
Alonso took the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer and has stressed his side remain a work in progress.
He said: “I am learning myself, from the players, from the team, from the opponents, from the Premier League.
“We are being part of the development. If this is not even close to a final product of this Chelsea, I'm sure that, and I've said probably in the press conference, the Chelsea that we started in August, and the Chelsea of even January or even in May, it will be different and it will be a much better one.”