RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Xabi Alonso responds to questions about his team selection for Luton game
Chelsea put out a strong team for their first cup game of the season – it could be a sign of things to come.
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Xabi Alonso picked a surprisingly strong team for tonight’s cup game, given the team played a game on Monday and have another on Sunday.
The managed was asked about that decision in the press conference post game, and defended his choice.
“For sure, we always want to choose a competitive team. We are taking all the games seriously,” the manager said.
“I think that we are in a moment of the season that many things are starting, many processes and I’m happy that some players have their first minutes in the club, they made their debut. I’m happy to play my first competitive game in the stadium. It wasn’t easy, credit to Luton as well that they made it difficult.”
Chelsea’s Europe free season could see strong cup teams
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, arrives at the stadium before the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on August 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
It may well be that Chelsea fans are just going to have to get used to the new reality of no European football. Cup games probably will have stronger lineups than usual as a result of that.
Certainly it was a surprise to see Cole Palmer and Reece James start the game, and even more surprising to see James finish it too. But Alonso defended that too, talking about how fit the attacker is.
In other news…
We have now had it confirmed by Alonso what the plans for young Mike Penders are, after he made his first start for Chelsea this evening.
The most awkward question post game was about Enzo Fernandez, who was left out of the squad entirely. Alonso did his best to dodge as much of it as possible.
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