Alonso’s Chelsea face a defining week at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool visit in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and Manchester United arrive for a Premier League clash on Saturday.
Both games will test Xabi Alonso’s tactical judgement. Chelsea’s recent form has exposed problems he cannot afford to ignore.
Alonso’s Chelsea Story So Far
The Spaniard joined Chelsea in the summer of 2026. He came with a strong reputation from Bayer Leverkusen, where his tactical system delivered the Bundesliga title in 2023/24.
His new side have shown real attacking quality. Chelsea have scored 25 goals in nine competitive matches this season.
The defensive numbers are less encouraging. Chelsea have also conceded 16 goals in those games, and that gap is a concern heading into two major fixtures.
The Tottenham Setback Raises the Pressure
Chelsea’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on October 24 increased the scrutiny on Alonso. Several problems arrived at once.
Chelsea managed only 31% possession. They also lacked a recognised striker after João Pedro’s injury.
Cole Palmer was sent off, which added to the damage. Goalkeeper Mike Penders then had a difficult afternoon after Emiliano Martinez suffered a fractured jaw.
Those setbacks point to three tactical mistakes Alonso must avoid against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Alonso Chelsea Mistake One: Leaving Space Behind the Wing-Backs
Alonso prefers a 3-4-2-1 system. It relies on wing-backs to provide width and support in attack.
The risk is clear. When the wing-backs push high, they can leave Chelsea’s outside centre-backs exposed to quick counter-attacks.
Liverpool could target that weakness. They can send forwards into the channels before Chelsea have time to recover their shape.
How Chelsea Can Fix It
Better cover from the midfielders would reduce the danger. They need to protect the space left behind when the wing-backs advance.
The wing-backs also have a decision to make each time they move forward. They must recognise when to attack and when to hold their position.
Getting that balance right could be the difference between a controlled night and a vulnerable one.
Mistake Two: Playing Predictable Passes Through Midfield
Manchester United could punish a rigid approach. If Alonso insists on building every attack through crowded central areas, Chelsea become easier to read.
Opponents can press the player on the ball. They can also block the passing lanes towards the attacking midfielders.
That creates turnovers in dangerous areas, and Chelsea’s lack of defensive stability makes those moments costly.
Switch the Play and Go Direct
Chelsea need quicker switches towards the flanks to escape pressure. An occasional direct pass would also give them a way past a tight press.
Palmer’s availability will shape these decisions. He was sent off against Tottenham, and Alonso may have to reorganise his attack because of that recent suspension.
Any change in the attacking midfield will affect how Chelsea build play. Alonso needs a clear plan for that before kick-off.
Mistake Three: Waiting Too Long to Change the Plan
The third mistake is perhaps the most important. Chelsea cannot persist with a formation simply because Alonso chose it before the game.
The Tottenham defeat showed why. Without João Pedro, the attacking structure struggled, and Chelsea had no effective alternative.
Liverpool and Manchester United may also block Chelsea’s passing lanes. If they do, Alonso must respond before the opposition takes full control of the match.
Options on the Touchline
Alonso has several tools available. He can adjust the positioning of his midfielders, or he can change the height of the defensive line.
He could also introduce a different attacking profile to restore balance. Each option gives Chelsea a way to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm.
The challenge is timing. The two opponents will pose different problems, so Alonso must recognise quickly when his original plan stops working.
What This Week Means for Alonso Chelsea
Two matches in four days will show how well Alonso can adapt. The squad has the firepower, as 25 goals in nine matches confirms.
The defence has to match that output. Conceding 16 goals in the same period leaves too little margin for error against elite opposition.
If Alonso’s Chelsea can protect the space behind the wing-backs, vary their build-up play and react early when the game plan fails, they give themselves a strong chance in both fixtures. If not, Chelsea may pay the price.