Xabi Alonso emphasizes desire for players after Enzo Fernandez omission
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 3:08 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso defended his choice to leave midfielder Enzo Fernandez out of the squad for the recent League Cup match against Luton, which Chelsea won 2-0. Ahead of the Premier League game against Brighton, Alonso stated the team needs players who show the desire to compete. The omission comes amid speculation linking Fernandez with Manchester City, raising questions about his future with Chelsea. Alonso highlighted the importance of having players in the right mindset for a competitive environment.
- •Chelsea won 2-0 against Luton in the League Cup.
- •Xabi Alonso cited the need for players with strong desire.
- •Fernandez was omitted amid rumors of interest from Manchester City.
- •Chelsea faces Brighton next in the Premier League.
- •Danny Welbeck scored on his debut for Chelsea.
- 3:08 PMYahoo Sports — Fernandez's Chelsea future uncertain as Alonso seeks commitment
- 2:50 PMYahoo Sports — Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ as Fernandez speculation rises
- 2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
- 1:49 PMYahoo Sports — Xabi Alonso says Chelsea needs players with 'desire to play' after leaving out Enzo Fernandez
"Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso has defended the decision to leave Enzo Fernandez out of the squad for Thursday's League Cup win over Luton amid reported interest from Manchester City. Alonso said the club needs players who “feel the desire to play” as he discussed the midfielder's situation Friday ahead of Chelsea's Premier League game against Brighton on Sunday. “We need the players that are in the best situation to play," Alonso said.
"Xabi Alonso said he wants players that "feel a desire" to play for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of Thursday's League Cup win over Luton.For me it's very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation," said Alonso.
"Xabi Alonso says he wants players who “feel desire to play” for Chelsea as speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez’ future ramps up. The midfielder was left out of the Blues’ matchday squad for...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 3:08 PMFernandez's Chelsea future uncertain as Alonso seeks commitment
Xabi Alonso said he wants players that "feel a desire" to play for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of Thursday's League Cup win over Luton.For me it's very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation," said Alonso.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:50 PMAlonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ as Fernandez speculation rises
Xabi Alonso says he wants players who “feel desire to play” for Chelsea as speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez’ future ramps up. The midfielder was left out of the Blues’ matchday squad for...
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:43 PMXabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
Chelsea are open to Fernandez’s departure before Tuesday’s deadline but only if it leaves them with options to strengthen
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 1:49 PMXabi Alonso says Chelsea needs players with 'desire to play' after leaving out Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso has defended the decision to leave Enzo Fernandez out of the squad for Thursday's League Cup win over Luton amid reported interest from Manchester City. Alonso said the club needs players who “feel the desire to play” as he discussed the midfielder's situation Friday ahead of Chelsea's Premier League game against Brighton on Sunday. “We need the players that are in the best situation to play," Alonso said.
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