Xabi Alonso under pressure to address Chelsea's defensive issues
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 5:15 PM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026

Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure to improve Chelsea's poor defensive record, having failed to secure a clean sheet since his appointment. In a recent interview, Alonso acknowledged the need for better performance and analyzed the team's struggles. Chelsea enters a crucial match against Bournemouth this weekend after three weeks of training, hoping to reverse a streak of 21 games without a clean sheet. The club has come under scrutiny not only for recent performances but also for structural issues at higher management levels.
- •Chelsea has not kept a clean sheet since Alonso's hiring.
- •Team currently on a 21-game streak without clean sheets.
- •Alonso emphasizes the need for improvement in defense.
- •Chelsea faces Bournemouth this weekend in a critical fixture.
- •Laurence Stewart has exited as Chelsea sporting director.
- 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — “Not been good enough” – Alonso knows he’s under pressure to change Chelsea’s disgraceful record
"Xabi Alonso has been very open about Chelsea’s disgraceful defensive stats, and in a recent interview didn’t pull any punches.If you enjoy Talk Chelsea coverage and want to see more of it, add us ...
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