Xabi Alonso has admitted that his early days as Chelsea manager has “not been good enough”.
Alonso arrived at Chelsea in the summer having failed to live up to expectation at his last job in Real Madrid. The Spaniard only lasted until January in Spain but was hired as the first “manager” under the Clearlake ownership.
However, despite recording three straight victories across the Premier League and Carabao Cup, against Fulham, Luton and Brighton respectively, things are starting to fall apart for Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea suffered a defeat at Arsenal before a rollercoaster League Cup encounter with Leeds.
A 2-2 draw with Hull at home and a 3-0 humbling at Brentford ensued before the three-week international break.
Xabi Alonso reacts after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I have the feeling that it will get better, but at the moment, it’s just not been good enough,” Alonso told Stan Sport.
“We have some positives and some things that can be better. Not just in terms of results, but in games and especially in terms of conceding goals.
“It is something we want to improve. It is not just the defence; it is the attack as well, and the way we attack helps the way we defend.
“Many parts are still in development. There are positives and negatives in this process to become more consistent.”
Chelsea spent over £340million in the summer transfer window, including smashing the British transfer record to land Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a £117m deal.
“It’s very difficult to not concede any goals, but we can do better to not concede that many,” he continued.
Chelsea host Bournemouth on the Premier League’s return this weekend after a long international break stretching over three weeks
Alonso will rely on the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro who missed the international break due to injury.
