New Delhi. Chelsea has made a good start in the current season of the English Premier League. The team is at fourth place in the points table with 16 points from nine matches.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, in an interview with GeoStar, shared his thoughts on the league’s competitiveness, the team’s defensive weaknesses and Cole Palmer’s best position.
Alonso said that the Premier League is a very challenging competition and no match is easy here. He said, “Before joining Chelsea, I was aware of the challenge of this league, but after coming here, I got to see the level of all the teams and players.
Every match is a new test. Every week you play against a team that is either in the title race or struggling to stay in the league.
In this league you cannot lose focus even for a moment, because the quality here will punish your smallest mistake.”
He said that due to this challenge the team has to prepare with full concentration for every match. The coaching staff has to analyze each opponent closely and keep the players mentally and physically prepared.
The schedule is definitely busy, but this is also the challenge of this competition. Chelsea have a squad with good quality and depth, who will need to be put to good use throughout the season.
Defensive performance needs improvement
On the team’s defensive weaknesses, Alonso said that there is no single reason behind conceding more goals, but it is an area in which the team definitely wants to improve.
He said, “We are working in this direction and the team is constantly developing. We have to perform better in the matches and conceding less goals should be our priority. We have worked on our formation on the field and the positioning of the players without the ball.”
He said that the team has lost many goals because of small mistakes and not because the opposing team completely penetrated its defence. This is a positive thing, because these mistakes can be corrected.
The team needs to be more organized as a unit, perform better in individual contests and make better decisions in the end zone.
Alonso said the defensive responsibility does not lie solely with the four defenders. It starts with the front line, where players need to apply pressure and help out at the back.
It may not be possible to avoid conceding goals in every match, but it is certainly possible to concede fewer goals. Better coordination of the entire team will help in achieving a clean sheet.
Along with freedom in attack, discipline is also necessary
Alonso said that attacking players should have the freedom to showcase their talent, but along with this discipline is also important. He said, “This is not just a matter of giving freedom to attack.
Players have to understand what the team needs at which time. When attacking players enjoy their game, the team performs better and the chances of winning also increase.
But this does not mean that they should be allowed to play without any plan.” He described Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Estevao as important players for the team.
According to him, some players provide stability to the team, while some players make a difference in the match with their skills. The team will have to maintain a balance between these two aspects.
The role of central attacking midfielder is suitable for Palmer.
Regarding Cole Palmer’s best position, Alonso said that for him, Palmer’s best role is as a central attacking midfielder.
“When Cole gets the ball between the forward line and the opposition’s defence, he is able to deliver the final pass, dodge defenders, score goals and make timely runs.
His ability to cause maximum damage to the opposing team is seen in this area.” Alonso said it is important to get the ball to the right place for Palmer.
Midfielders and defenders have to be quick to get him the ball into areas where he can use his skills.
He said that Palmer not only works hard in scoring goals and creating chances, but also works hard without the ball. He helps the team close down space and connect plays, which is important for balance.
Chelsea will face Sunderland on Sunday
Chelsea will face Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday, November 8. This match will be telecast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports from 7:30 pm Indian time.