Xabi Alonso has spoken to the press following Chelsea's penalty shootout defeat to Andoni Iraola's Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday
Xabi Alonso after Chelsea's defeat to Liverpool
Xabi Alonso after Chelsea's defeat to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso addressed the media following Chelsea's penalty shootout loss to Liverpool on Wednesday.
Wesley Fofana failed to convert the crucial spot-kick for the Blues at Anfield as Alonso's team exited the Carabao Cup at the fourth round stage. The match was defined by penalties. Chelsea was granted one in the opening period, and Morgan Rogers scored in front of the traveling fans. Liverpool was then handed one following a Fofana handball, with Cody Gakpo finding the net from the spot.
Alonso has now given his thoughts on an eventful day on Merseyside. The Chelsea boss, who famously won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, is proud of the way his players performed and is now focusing on the Premier League.
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"Well, for sure, the outcome is not what we wanted," Alonso told reporters at full-time. "It's not what we expected before the game.
"You know, once you reach the penalties, there's going to be a sad side.
"This is us in the case, but I have to say that the game we have played a very good competitive level, with good performance.
"We showed an improvement, I would say. That's what we wanted. We played with courage.
Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola are friends
Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola are friends(Image: Getty Images)
"The game was really close. It could have gone (either way), not many chances for both sides. And we have tried to overcome difficult moments as well."
Alonso added: "But it's a small setback in this competition. It's probably the least important competition for us in the year, so we need to move on.
"And as soon as we leave Anfield, our focus is on Saturday's Premier League (game). This is the main and the most important thing."
Alonso is good friends with Andoni Iraola and was asked if he's had the chance to catch up with the Liverpool boss, following the penalty shootout. "No, we haven't spoken," he replied. "I have seen a lot about Liverpool, about his team, but we have not spoken."
When asked if he'll catch up with him later in the evening, Alonso replied: "Let's see. I need to finish, first, the press conference."
Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso added: "Every time you reach the penalties, someone will feel it is harsh to go out of the competition. It was really close from both sides. Penalties mean it is open to anything.
"They have performed at a good enough level to compete at Anfield. We conceded the penalty, and it was even. The game was really close for both sides."