2026-08-25 08:41:58
Xabi Alonso was impressed with Chelsea’s “professional” performance against Fulham.
The Spanish coach tasted victory in his first Premier League game as Blues manager with a 3-2 triumph over their London rivals on Monday (24.08.26) and was impressed with the range of qualities that his team displayed.
Alonso told reporters post-match: “It feels very good, for sure. We know how tough it is to win any Premier League game, and any away Premier League game. We prepared for an intense game, and I feel it was a very professional, solid performance, showing maturity and managing the difficult moments.
“We got the lead quite early, had chances to score the second one, but after the equaliser we were through ten minutes when we didn’t choose the right moments to press and the movements.
“We corrected this well and in the second half, we felt comfortable without the ball, controlling the game. It was a performance to build for the future. There are things to improve for sure, but it was a good first day.”
Alonso was pleased to see his side keep their “emotional control” when things went against them during the game.
He said: “[It’s important] to manage in difficult moments, not to lose this emotional control. We know the Premier League is fantastic because sometimes the games are out of your hands.
“You don’t control them, so the players on the pitch need to know how to manage it – it’s as important as the tactics being right. It’s a process but today we went through good moments on that and we need to carry on that.”
Meanwhile, Alonso refused to criticise goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after his errors led to both of Fulham’s goals.
He said: “It’s not about talking about individuals, their situations. It’s about understanding what it takes.
“For sure, the first goal we can do better than that. But it’s a process. It’s day one. And normally it’s easier to learn with three points.”
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