Xabi Alonso urges Chelsea to return to winning ways against Manchester United

Xabi Alonso has urged Chelsea’s players to return to winning ways against Manchester United, focus on the match and play with the team’s character to claim all three points and stay in the Premier League title race.

Alonso said at the press conference that Chelsea’s home defeat to Tottenham, followed by their exit from the Carabao Cup against Liverpool on penalties after a 1-1 draw, were disappointing results. He added that the team had not had much time to prepare, but needed to get back to winning after their most recent home defeat.

Alonso stressed the importance of controlling the game and their emotions, and playing with strength and courage in Chelsea’s style, while being mindful of the quality, movement and cohesion of Manchester United’s players.

He explained that his conversations with the players also focused on not being distracted by the noise surrounding Manchester United after their 4-1 and 3-0 defeats to Como and Bournemouth. He said United’s results would not change Chelsea’s preparations, noting that their opponents had a good team and a good manager, and that his players had to give their best to win.