Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's head coach, has pointed out the defensive challenges his team faces and stressed that reducing the number of goals conceded is essential for continued success in the Premier League. Chelsea currently sits fourth in the table with 16 points from 9 matches, having scored 19 goals but conceded 15, indicating a concerning defensive situation.
Defensive Challenges and Determination to Improve
In an interview, Alonso stated that Chelsea's defensive issues are not due to a single reason and noted that better organization and collective responsibility could help address these problems. He said: "There is no reason to say our defense is due to one specific issue, but this is something we are focusing on and want to improve. We are working on our shape and positioning without the ball, and many of the goals we have conceded are due to small mistakes. This is a positive point, as it shows the problem is solvable."
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The Necessity of Cooperation and Responsibility in the Team
Alonso also emphasized the importance of cooperation and responsibility among players across all lines. He said: "Defense is not just about the backline; it starts from the front line. We need to win our battles and make better decisions in the final third. The players understand this and are responsible. We need to act as a cohesive unit to achieve greater success."
Chelsea will face Sunderland on Sunday, and Alonso hopes that by addressing defensive issues, his team can continue its lead at the top. He also highlighted Cole Palmer's role as a central attacking midfielder, stating that he can help the team create scoring opportunities.
Alonso concluded by stating that to create a balance between attacking freedom and tactical discipline, effective cooperation among players in the attack is necessary. He said: "We need to give players freedom, but this freedom must come with discipline. In the Premier League, the quality of opponents is very high, and we need to be in constant readiness."
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