The full transcript from Xabi Alonso's post-match press conference where the Chelsea manager reflected on his side's 2-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge
Xabi Alonso hugs Estevao Willian for his efforts in Chelsea's win over Manchester United
Xabi Alonso hugs Estevao Willian(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso was delighted with his Chelsea side and their performance to secure a much-needed three points against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Goals in the second-half from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer were enough for the west Londoners on Halloween. Lisandro Martinez was shown two yellow cards and given his marching orders at Stamford Bridge in another dismal day for United.
For Chelsea, the win means they climbed back into the top four for the time being and it has given everyone involved a lift after a difficult week going into the game. Alonso has just reflected on a good afternoon's work in SW6.
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Here is every word the Blues manager had to say:
Where will Chelsea finish this season?
What did you make of Chelsea's performance today?
Yeah, I think that there were different moments in the game. The first half was intense, there were momentums for both sides. United had their chances, we were close as well, so at half-time we have spoken and the reaction from the second half was better. We started quite well, we got the lead, we looked in better control and after with the 2-0 and the red card the context of the game changed. But you know, it has not been easy.
We asked you a lot about Estevao Willian, he got the start today. What did you make of his performance and was it always a plan for him to start today? Did you know that earlier this week?
You ask me, but sometimes I can't give you all the info. We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing tonight, today. He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that's what you want from a football player, so I'm very happy for him. He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd. He was really close to scoring that goal. At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him.
What did you make of Romeo Lavia's performance? Was he always going to start or did he find out late due to Jordan Henderson being ill?
He knew in the right moment, but he knew yesterday. From a midfielder point of view, for me it has been a top, top performance. He's done so many things right, he's been always connecting the defence with the attacker players, he's been able to switch the game, he's taken many right decisions, he's been very dynamic, competitive. So I think that not just this game, for the last two, three weeks he's been playing at a very good level and I'm very happy for him and today he deserves a huge recognition for his performance.
What about this game did you think suited Estevao?
Yes, different situations, from what we were going to do against Liverpool, what we were going to do against... I had an idea and I had clear that he could have a good impact today and he has shown it. I think that he's been a threat, he has created many chances, many situations where we could score and he has shown it good.
And just on Lavia as well, we all know he's had a lot of struggles with his injuries. Was that a big consideration, having him not just play 90 minutes on Wednesday but another 90 minutes again today?
Yes, but we knew Jordan was not feeling that well so there was a risk to choose who to play. Rom, he's feeling better, he's feeling stronger, he's feeling more confident to go with more minutes, with more load. After playing around at Anfield the whole game, not even 72 hours later, to play that way with that energy. But sometimes the head is more important than the legs and now his head is in a good place.
How pleased are you with Mike Penders' reaction to last weekend's mistake?
Not just today, I think that in Liverpool he was really solid, he had a very good performance, very stable for a keeper and today he has shown good level. Another clean sheet, the second one in three games and we need to keep going. Mike has overcome the difficult moment that we got here last Saturday and this is part of the development of a goalkeeper, of any player.
Pleased to be attacking well even without Joao Pedro?
Today has worked really well. We need to be sometimes creative, sometimes try to find solutions with the players available and even Pedro [Neto], he has worked really hard in that position, it's not new for him. Linking up with the players around, there were moments but I would say that especially the start of the second half, what we have spoken at half-time, the reaction was quite good.
What was the message at half-time?
We have spoken at half-time that we're going to win this game with the ball. So the improvement has been with the ball, the message has been to be better with the ball, not to give away that much, to change something tactically but we were more comfortable on the pitch, we looked better controlled and that's when you feel better with the ball, normally you are better for defending as well. So I think that reaction, that change has been important for the goal and for the feeling as well.
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