Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has accepted personal responsibility for his side's underwhelming first-half display in their 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues laboured through a dominant opening period from Leeds, arriving at half-time having failed to impose themselves on the match. Alonso made nine changes to his starting lineup, pairing inexperienced and low-minute players — including 16-year-old Reggie Watson and Valentín Barco in midfield — a combination he acknowledged created tactical and rhythmic problems.
Manager speaks out
Speaking to Sky Sport after the final whistle, Alonso was candid about the first-half struggles.
