Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed disappointment after his team's 2-2 draw with Hull City, highlighting persistent defensive issues despite a new system. "We had one or two good chances to get the winner, but you're still open. Not happy. We can do better. We got what we deserved," Alonso stated.
Alonso indicated that the team needs to become "more solid and be more controlled," acknowledging that with new players and staff, this improvement will take time. "In a few months I'm sure we'll be able to control better," he added.
He clarified that the switch to a back four was not a direct solution to recent defensive problems but rather a decision based on player profiles and their optimal positions. "It's about the profile of the players. You can say it was back three or four, so it's about the choice of the players, their qualities, where they play better," he explained. The manager also described the half-time substitution of Hato as a "tactical" decision.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Alonso noted that while the games might be entertaining, he hopes for a future where they can secure a win without conceding easily. "It kind of repeats some patterns that we are making," he observed. "It will take time or it will take moments to fix them when we get the lead and you still need to be competing and not to give the chance so easily for them to come back. Especially in the first goal, we can do much better."
The draw leaves Chelsea with concerns heading into their upcoming match against Brentford, a team known for its threat from set-pieces. However, the team's issues extend beyond set-pieces, with a significant number of goals conceded from open play.
"Overall, I think that we are attacking better than defending in every part," Alonso admitted. "We know that it's a big topic and a big theme for us. For sure it's just four games, but the dynamic in terms of conceding, I don't like it and we need to do much better. Open play, set-pieces, long balls, this toughness, this competitive sense, we can do better."
The team's midfield has also been a point of concern, particularly with Moises Caicedo out injured, leading to a perceived lack of quality and numbers in that area. Chelsea attempted to sign midfielders Lamine Camara, Manu Kone, and Sander Berge but were unsuccessful in securing deals before the transfer window closed.
Despite the offensive capabilities of players like Rogers, Palmer, and Joao Pedro, the defense remains a key area needing improvement. With no further transfer opportunities until January, Alonso must focus on addressing these defensive challenges on the training pitch. Maxence Lacroix, a key defensive signing, was absent from the recent match, and none of the available defensive options have consistently impressed this season.