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Chelsea may not have had any games for three weeks, but Xabi Alonso was still a very busy man during the international break.
There was a lot of work for the 44-year-old to do. Just before his Chelsea players jetted off to various parts of the world, they lost 3-0 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Blues put in a very poor performance that night. However, they were able to bounce back in style after beating Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend.
How would you compare Chelsea’s sporting directors to their counterparts at other English clubs? Have they really been that bad? 🤔
Winstanley and Stewart for Chelsea
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Literally! Only Brighton and Brentford and perhaps Leeds who I can think of who are run well off the top of my head, although they don’t have the pressure of a big 6
Xabi Alonso’s office work involved tactical analysis and preparation
During the international break, when Alonso was not on the training pitch at Cobham, he spent time in his office. There, he had the chance to look back at the games Chelsea have played so far.
Insiders have told BBC Sport that, as well as his office work involving tactical analysis of previous matches, it also included preparation for future opponents. Chelsea have a very tough game coming up, as they face David Moyes’ Everton, who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
In the same fixture last season, Chelsea lost 3-0, so it could be a difficult afternoon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. To make matters worse, Joao Pedro has never scored against Everton in his career.
If the Brazilian blanks again, Chelsea still have Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, who are more than capable of making an impact against the Toffees. Rogers has been on fire this season, scoring his fourth Premier League goal in six appearances last Saturday.
If the England international and the rest of Chelsea’s attack show up, it could be a long afternoon for Everton.
International break benefited Chelsea
Whatever work Alonso did during the international break, it worked! Chelsea had a bit of a dip before club football took a pause.
As well as losing to Brentford, they also drew 2-2 with Hull City and were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal in the games before their west London derby. However, they have now managed to end that winless streak and looked so much better against Bournemouth.
By this point, everyone knows Chelsea can score goals. But last weekend, what they showed is that they can defend with Moises Caicedo in the team.
Defensively, the Blues were much better as the Ecuadorian returned to the starting XI. Caicedo admitted that he was tired after the game, so Alonso needs to be careful with the 24-year-old, but it is great to have him back!