'Not Been Good Enough' - Xabi Alonso Gives Honest Assessment On Chelsea's Start

Chelsea return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon for the first time since the 3-0 defeat to Brentford three weeks ago.

The Blues currently sit 10th in the league, having gone three league games without a victory.

New manager Xabi Alonso has also had to contend with multiple injury concerns, including Marco Palestra, Moises Caicedo and, more recently, star striker Joao Pedro. Question marks also hover over club captain Reece James, who was absent from Chelsea’s last fixture.

Alonso has the west London side playing free-flowing football in attack, scoring 10 goals in their opening five matches, with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers leading the way. The problem remains at the back. Chelsea currently have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 12 goals.

Alonso recently sat down with Stan Sport to preview the upcoming match against the Cherries and was asked about the defensive fragility surrounding his side.

The Blues boss described it as a collective issue while hinting that it was part of the process, stating: “It’s not just the defence, it’s the attack as well. The way we attack helps the way we defend, so everything is related. And many parts that are still in development.”

The 44-year-old reflected honestly after two wins, two defeats, and one draw in his first five games in charge, adding, "I have the feeling it will get better, but at the moment it’s not been good enough."

Chelsea’s new boss joined an unwanted record club prior to the international break. The 3-0 defeat to Brentford saw him become the sixth manager in Premier League history to see his side concede two or more goals in each of his first five games in charge. As revealed by Opta, those managers included Mick McCarthy, Sammy Lee, Terry Connor, Slavisa Jokanovic and Scott Parker.

Bournemouth won’t be an easy test for Alonso’s side. Despite Marco Rose’s side sitting 17th in the table, the Blues are winless in their previous three encounters with the south coast side, with their last victory at Stamford Bridge coming on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.

Alonso will be hoping it gets better sooner rather than later, as the run to the November international break sees tough away fixtures against the likes of Everton and Sunderland, as well as Liverpool in the League Cup. Stamford Bridge will also host Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, as well as Bournemouth.

Ecuador star Moises Caicedo reportedly played close to 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match against Portsmouth, a boost for both Chelsea and Alonso. It remains unclear when the midfielder will be available to return on a permanent basis.