Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso in the dugout at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso in the dugout at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are not concerned about Xabi Alonso's position despite some suggestions that he has left a lot to be desired tactially.
These initial doubts have grown following the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, their third loss of the season, in which they failed to meet expectations.
Questions have been asked about how diciplined the Blues are tacically, with some suggestions the manager may be overcomplicating things and causing further issues.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea have no immediate concerns about Alonso's management and are backing him to succeed.
Given the inconsistencies this Chelsea side has faced in recent seasons, the board are aware it may take time for the new boss to get the best out of them on a consistent basis.
Alonso himself has addressed the early concnerns, insiting his Chelsea side will not be the same in May as they are now, with plans to improve over the course of the season.
Why have doubts grown about Xabi Alonso?
Football Insider reported on 25 October that questions have been asked about Alonso's team selection against Spurs, while the way they set up led directly to the defeat.
Chelsea fans have since expressed their frustrations on social media after losing to their big rivals, with some doubts starting to emerge about the manager's decisions.
However, the Blues board are not concerns about Alonso's tactical decisions and understand there may be some blips as he continues to reshape his side.
"It was a funny game for Chelsea against Tottenham, they were all over the place," Brown told Football Insider.
"The manager made some strange decisions with his team and tactics, and it seems that some fans on social media have picked up on that and are asking questions.
"Chelsea have been one of these types of teams for a couple of years now where you never quite know what you're going to get, and it's very difficult to change that.
"One week they'll look amazing, they score bags of goals and every player looks like they're a world beater. The next week, they look like a group who have never played together.
"Alonso is obviously going to have to work at getting his side to be more consistent, but it's not something that has only started since he got there.
"He's inherited this team, obviously with a few additions, and it's going to take time for him to get his message across and get them playing exactly how he wants them to.
"It was a strong start to the season which obviously raises expectations, but they are going to have dips in form, and I'm sure the board will be prepared for that.
"They'll have no real concerns, because these things happen, managers make mistakes just like players, but he is still seen as the right man for the job despite those doubts."
Which other issues is Alonso facing at Chelsea?
Chelsea's inconsistency is not the only concern that has grown since Alonso took over, with the boss still working hard on the training ground to impliment his new ideas.
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King warned Football Insider during pre-season that Alonso must address his side's defensive concerns to make them harder to beat.
Those issues have lingered into the new season, where the Blues have kept just two clean sheets in ten games across all competitons, with significant improvements required.
Chelsea have conceded 15 goals in eight Premier League games so far, more than any other side in the top half, and the joint-third most in the league overall.
If they have long-term ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title, they must tighten up their defence, with Alonso being called upon to address the issue.