Alonso Downplays Chelsea's 2-1 Spurs Loss as 75-Minute Pre-Season Plan Holds
Updated
Updated · Chelsea FC · Aug 1
Alonso Downplays Chelsea's 2-1 Spurs Loss as 75-Minute Pre-Season Plan Holds
3 articles · Updated · Chelsea FC · Aug 1
Summary
2-1 down after Richarlison's last-minute winner in Sydney, Xabi Alonso said Chelsea's main objective was giving senior players heavy minutes rather than chasing the result.
75 minutes for many players had been the plan, Alonso said, framing the defeat as part of the learning process despite Chelsea creating enough chances to win.
17th-minute opener from Sandro Tonali was canceled out by Estevao Willian's header from Jamie Gittens' cross, before Kevin Danso's red card shifted the second half and Antonin Kinsky repeatedly denied Chelsea.
80,000 fans at Accor Stadium closed Chelsea's Australia leg, with the squad due to leave for Hong Kong on Sunday after Alonso praised the atmosphere and support.