Xabi Alonso has challenged Chelsea to find a better balance between attack and defence after their free-scoring start to the season.
The Blues have scored 18 goals across their opening six matches in all competitions, but defensive problems have prevented that attacking output from consistently translating into victories.
Those issues were evident again when Chelsea surrendered their lead during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso has now made improving Chelsea’s defensive stability a clear priority before Friday night’s Premier League trip to Brentford.
Xabi Alonso demands better Chelsea balance
Speaking ahead of the west London derby, Alonso acknowledged that Chelsea’s attacking football has been encouraging.
However, the head coach believes improvements are needed at the opposite end of the pitch.
“It’s obvious that in defence we can do better,” Alonso told Chelsea’s official website.
He stressed that Chelsea must find the right balance without sacrificing the attacking threat which has produced 18 goals already this season.
The issue has become increasingly prominent following the Hull draw, with Alonso previously admitting there are defensive problems Chelsea must address under his system.
Alonso nevertheless believes greater stability will come as his players spend more time working within his methods.
Chelsea are only six competitive matches into the Spaniard’s reign, while injuries and significant squad changes have also disrupted the consistency he wants.
Alonso says entire Chelsea team must defend
Alonso was also keen to stress that responsibility does not sit solely with his defenders.
“The defence is all the team,” he said.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the back four or back five, Alonso wants Chelsea to improve how they react collectively during different phases of matches.
That includes maintaining concentration after taking the lead.
Chelsea have produced some devastating attacking spells this season, but their inability to control games for the full 90 minutes has repeatedly provided opponents with opportunities to respond.
Alonso believes adapting to those changing moments is essential in the Premier League, where maintaining complete control throughout a match is extremely difficult.
Brentford provide another test for Chelsea
Friday’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium gives Chelsea an immediate opportunity to show progress.
The latest Brentford preview highlights another difficult west London test for Alonso’s side, with the Bees sitting only one point behind Chelsea heading into the fixture.
Alonso described the meeting as an important match because it is Chelsea’s final game before the international break and comes away against opponents he expects to provide a demanding challenge.
Chelsea’s attacking quality has rarely been questioned during the opening weeks of his tenure.
The next stage of Alonso’s work is making sure those goals are accompanied by enough defensive control to consistently turn entertaining performances into victories.
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