Xabi Alonso has to make one serious Chelsea change or risk becoming the next Ruben Amorim

The former Sporting Lisbon manager was unwilling to change his formation, even in the midst of huge criticism. Ultimately, that criticism drove Amorim out of Old Trafford, and Alonso has to take note.

Xabi Alonso needs to change formation and bring Estevao in

So far, Alonso has stuck with his 3-4-2-1 system. Against Brighton and Fulham, it worked. Chelsea won both matches, but they still conceded five goals in doing so. They haven’t won a league game since.

The only other wins came in the Carabao Cup against a League One side and Leeds – another case in which Chelsea won but conceded three. Alonso needs to change it up, or face another Brentford result.

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Gary Lineker doesn’t think Alonso is under pressure yet, but two or three more results like the one at Brentford and the pressure will be on. Alonso has got to change it up, or risk becoming another Amorim.

Alonso needs to use a 4-2-3-1 system and play his best players. That includes Estevao, who has been on fire for Brazil during the break. Taking a centre-back out, Chelsea will be more balanced with Estevao.

Ironically, Amorim had the same results as Alonso after seven

Alonso has four wins, one draw and two defeats from his first seven matches. Amorim won four of his first seven, losing to Arsenal – like Alonso – and losing to Forest, conceding three like Chelsea did at Brentford.

The other result was a draw against a newly-promoted side in Ipswich – again, like Chelsea, in the draw against Hull City. One clean sheet apiece too. It’s all too similar, but Alonso has to shake things up.

He has to look at the similarities he has with Amorim, from results to formation to potential stubbornness. Alonso has to realise that, to remain Chelsea boss, to keep the pressure off, he needs to change things.

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