Xabi Alonso raised eyebrows during his televised post-match interview after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Liverpool progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating the Blues on penalties at Anfield.
Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute before the hosts’ equalised from their own spot-kick, converted by Cody Gakpo, three minutes later.
No further goals were scored in the second half, so the tie was settled by a shootout.
Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha and Wesley Fofana all missed the Blues as Liverpool recorded a 6-5 victory.
Alonso: Carabao Cup 'Least Important' Competition
Sky Sports
Speaking to Sky Sports after his side’s defeat, Alonso had no complaints about the effort his players showed. The Spaniard feels he witnessed a positive reaction from his squad after last weekend’s surprise 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.
When asked what he said to the players who missed their penalties in the shootout, Alonso replied: “This is football. This is part of our job. I’ve seen a team that was competing and showing a good level…”
Then came the comment that’s left fans and pundits alike puzzled. Alonso added:
Asked if he buys Alonso describing the Carabao Cup as Chelsea’s “least important competition”, former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker told CBS Sports: “He wouldn’t be saying that if they won, not at all.
“If it’s not important, why are you starting [Moises] Caicedo? Why are you starting [Romeo] Lavia? Why are you starting Jordan Henderson? Why are you starting regular starters in your team for not an important competition?
“You could have put out all the youngsters. Chelsea have a lot of young players they brought in as this project for the future. You could have played the kids, but you played some experienced Premier League players for a reason.”
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson
Chelsea Fans Slam Alonso
REUTERS/Ian Hodgson
Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters on social media have slammed Alonso for his unexpected post-match comment.
One fan wrote on X (Twitter): "The useless man is publicly insulting thousands of Chelsea fans that travelled to Liverpool to support the team." A second commented:
While a third said: "I don’t care what the name of the competition is, this is so wrong and poor for a manager of Chelsea to say. He’s a disgrace for the club and team."
A fourth supporter added: "Is he serious?! Xabi, I don’t know if you’ve realised or not but since Blueco took over we’ve had a trophy drought. Without Champions League or any European football we have all the time to try and win these competitions, not dismiss them like they’re nothing. Imagine if Jose said this in 2005…"
A fifth said: "Nice statement for the thousands of fans who travelled to watch the game there you absolute idiot,” while a sixth commented:
Currently fifth in the Premier League table, Chelsea fans will be expecting Alonso and his players to bounce back with victory over struggling Manchester United on Saturday.