Alonso has played seven games across all competitions as Chelsea manager, winning four, losing two and drawing one.
By Kehinde Okeowo
English broadcaster and former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has insisted that Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso must solve Chelsea’s defensive problems if he wants to be successful at the West London club.
He gave the advice recently while speaking on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
Alonso was appointed as the new Chelsea head coach at the end of last season, succeeding Liam Rosenior, who was sacked in April 2026.
Under his watch, however, the Blues have played seven games across all competitions, winning four, losing two, and drawing one.
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In five Premier League fixtures under the former Bayer Leverkusen manager, his men have scored 10 goals and conceded 12.
Analysing Chelsea’s defensive frailties, Lineker argued that for any team to be successful, it must be solid defensively.
He went on to add that Alonso must find a solution to the problem if he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for a long time.
“The basis of any successful team is to have a solid defence,” Lineker said.
He added: “You can’t score three or four in every game. That is something Alonso needs to address. He will be given plenty of time, I would hope.”
