Alonso slates Chelsea’s poor defending after draw with Hull

Xabi Alonso admitted Chelsea’s poor defending is a major issue after their shortcomings at the back were evident again in a 2-2 draw at home to Hull.

Morgan Rogers gave the Blues an early lead but a mistake by left-back Jorrel Hato led to an equaliser by Mohamed Belloumi, who later put the visitors ahead.

Joao Pedro levelled, rescuing a point for Alonso’s side, but they continued to look shaky.

Chelsea’s often woeful defending was a problem prior to Alonso’s appointment as manager and has been on display again during the first matches of his reign.

And he admitted: “It’s something that we need to be talking [about]. We address [it] and we will get better, but it’s having an impact on our performances at the moment.

“We know that it’s a big topic and a big theme for us. For sure it’s just four games, but the dynamic in terms of conceding; I don’t like it and we need to do much better.

“Open play, set-pieces, long balls, toughness, this competitive sense – we can do better.

“We need to know that even when we have the lead, a very important part of the game is to hold together, to keep the distances, to go intense in the situations to defend. I’m sure that we can do better.

“You have to be very aware, very ready that the danger can come from any situation. If you are soft or if you are not prepared, you will get punished – and we have been punished.”

Chelsea’s attacking flair, with Rogers forming an exciting combination with Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro delivering goals, coupled with their fragility at the back, means they are certainly entertaining to watch.

“It is maybe entertaining, but I hope that one day you say it was a boring game and we win and we don’t give these entertaining moments,” said Alonso.

“I think we are attacking better than defending in every part.”