Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, reacts after the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso named a strong starting XI as Chelsea travelled to Anfield to face his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Blues delivered a much-improved performance after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, but ultimately suffered another frustrating result.
Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scored first-half penalties to level the tie at 1-1 after 90 minutes, before Liverpool eventually prevailed 6-5 in the shootout. While Chelsea can take several positives from the game, former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker criticised Alonso after his post-match interview on CBS Sports.
READ MORE:Xabi Alonso makes ‘very important’ Mike Penders claim after Chelsea’s EFL Cup defeat to Liverpool
Chelsea are OUT of the Carabao Cup on penalties… give us your instant reaction 👇
Personally, I feel Estevao has to learn there is more to football than just attacking, especially in the EPL. That is why I think Alonso does not trust him, however, a cameo in the last 20 could have been a game changer. I think he will be sold unless he learns to adapt his game
Forgot wellbeck was even on the pitch last night so would start Emegha against ManU
Would I do that to you?
Nigel Reo-Coker calls out Xabi Alonso over Carabao Cup comments
Xabi Alonso did not hide his disappointment after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup exit, but his post-match comments about the competition’s importance raised eyebrows. “This is the least important competition for us and now the Premier League is the main focus,” he said.
While the EFL Cup may be below the Premier League and FA Cup prestige, dismissing it so openly after a defeat came across as sour grapes to some observers. Nigel Reo-Coker was among those who questioned Alonso’s explanation.
Speaking to CBS Sports, the ex-West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton midfielder, who made more than 200 Premier League appearances, pointed to the strength of Chelsea’s starting XI as evidence that Alonso had taken the tie seriously.
Reo-Coker explained: “He wouldn’t be saying that if they won, not at all. If it’s not important, why are you starting Caicedo? Why are you starting Lavia? Why are you starting Jordan Henderson? Why are you starting regular starters in your team for not an important competition?
“This is the least important competition for us.” 🤔 Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso after being eliminated from the Carabao Cup 😳 https://t.co/ep7vo3wTwm
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 28, 2026
“You could have put out all the youngsters they have; Chelsea have a lot of young players that they’ve brought in in this project for the future. You could have played all the kids but you played some experienced players in this for a reason.”
Alonso did name a strong side at Anfield, with Levi Colwill the only first-choice player rested. Chelsea’s line-up was arguably stronger than the one selected by Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, making Alonso’s suggestion that the competition was of little importance all the more surprising.
His comments have also frustrated some Chelsea supporters on social media, many of whom were desperate to see their side progress, particularly given that they have not won a domestic cup since 2018. Although the Blues delivered a decent performance, Alonso’s response has shifted the focus away from the football and drawn further criticism towards the head coach.