Don’t worry Chelsea fans, Xabi Alonso’s first six games at Leverkusen were even worse
The 2-2 draw against Hull City has left Chelsea fans wondering, is Xabi Alonso’s defence good enough to secure a Champions League spot? After six games, Chelsea have conceded 12 goals.
Just one clean sheet has come the way of Alonso’s men so far, and that was against League One side Luton Town in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League games without a clean sheet.
It’s time to talk about our midfield situation… who’s getting your vote?
It is becoming a chronic problem; the worst it’s been for 65 years. In all four Premier League games this season, Chelsea have conceded at least two; it could have been worse had it not been for Emi Martinez.
So, do Chelsea have what it takes to finish in the top four? Going forward, yes. The trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are the best in the league. But in defence? Well, there’s no need to panic.
Xabi Alonso’s first six games as Bayer Leverkusen manager
When Alonso took over as Leverkusen manager back in October 2022, he got off to the perfect start with a 4-0 win over Schalke. But Alonso would then go winless for the next six matches, losing three times.
In his first six games, Alonso watched Leverkusen concede 14 goals and keep just one clean sheet. It saw Leverkusen lose 3-0 to Porto, 5-1 to Frankfurt, and two 2-2 draws against Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid.
A 2-0 loss to Leipzig followed, before Alonso finally secured a second clean sheet at the seventh time of asking – a 0-0 draw with Brugge – before his side would go and annihilate Union Berlin with a 5-0 win.
Alonso’s first six games as Chelsea manager are actually better
While Chelsea might have only secured one clean sheet and conceded 12 goals in the five other games under Alonso, it’s a whole lot better than his first few weeks as Leverkusen manager. Four wins so far.
Alonso only won one of his first eight games as Leverkusen boss, to the extent that there were worries he would be sacked. Thankfully for Leverkusen, they stuck with Alonso and gave him the time to shine.
Chelsea fans do not need to panic; let Alonso work it out
He got it right eventually at Leverkusen and of course, the next season – his first full campaign in charge of Leverkusen – resulted in an unbeaten league campaign, the Bundesliga title, and a Europa League final.
Dropped points against Hull… Does Xabi Alonso need to make some serious changes?
Who would you drop from today’s XI?
Obviously, he isn’t going to achieve that this season; Chelsea have already lost to Arsenal. But the goals flying past Emi Martinez will soon dry up, while Chelsea’s quality in attack will remain the same.
The return of Moises Caicedo will play a huge role in that, as will Jordan Henderson’s presence in the matchday squad. This Chelsea side is primed and ready; Alonso’s history proves it’s only a matter of time.
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