Xabi Alonso calls for Chelsea to fix defensive flaws

Chelsea have scored eight times in their opening three Premier League matches, putting them among the division's leading scorers. However, they have also conceded seven goals.

Their defensive problems were again exposed in Wednesday's League Cup clash with Leeds. Chelsea fell 2-0 behind before producing a remarkable comeback to win 6-3.

Alonso, who has won four of his first five matches as Chelsea manager, knows his side must find a better balance as he continues to reshape a squad that has undergone significant changes.

"We want to be more competitive, to be as good or even better in attack because I think there is room for improvement and to have the balance, to feel solid as well and to feel strong in defence," Alonso said.

"We want not to concede that many goals and that's the work of everyone, from the strikers to the goalkeeper."

Chelsea recorded wins over Fulham and Brighton despite having surprisingly little possession in both matches before losing to reigning champions Arsenal last weekend.

Alonso believes his players must be prepared to adapt to different challenges rather than becoming defined by one particular style.

"We are still in the early days to know what this team for sure is going to be," he said.

"I think that we will develop many things, we will develop with players, important players, they are joining and they are able to play."

The next test comes against Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Alonso expecting another difficult afternoon against a side that have made an unbeaten start.

"They have seven points, no goals conceded, they will be hard to beat, they have their weapons as well," he said.

"With transitions, set-pieces, they have the belief, the coach is doing a great job."

Chelsea also confirmed on Friday that Portugal winger Pedro Neto has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2032.

Neto, who joined Chelsea in 2024, described the new deal as a special moment.

"It's an unbelievable moment," he said. "From when I arrived, I have always felt like the people here helped me a lot.

"I feel like home here, I feel like I want to achieve more things here."