Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for his team’s poor first-half performance in the Blues’ 6-3 win against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues came out flat at Stamford Bridge and found themselves chasing the game after a dominant opening 45 minutes from Leeds.
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Making nine changes and pairing inexperienced or low-minute players (like 16-year-old Reggie Watson and Valentín Barco in midfield) made the tactical reading and collective rhythm difficult.
Speaking after the match, Alonso in a chat with Sky Sport, said the blame lies squarely with him.
“Yeah, there was so many changes. There was a risk. Things weren’t going the way we planned, so we had to change. I take responsibility with the first half. The crowd were great, with the atmosphere (pushing the players on).”
“I like that they were ready before the game. They knew they weren’t starting and they were ready to make an impact.
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“When you put together a team that hardly plays together, it is difficult to play at this level when (Leeds United) are intense.”
On Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer’s chemistry: “For sure, it’s so important. To have a great chemistry between them. They enjoy assisting together. It’s important for the team.”
