Xabi Alonso addressed the media following Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Jordan Henderson and Joao Pedro both scored a goal and Morgan Rogers scored a brace for the Blues to secure a much-needed three points against the Cherries. It was the first win for Alonso’s side since beating Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge on 30 August.
It moved Chelsea up to fifth in the Premier League table as they now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Everton.
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Alonso reflected on Saturday afternoon’s win in his post-match press conference. football.london It was live at Stamford Bridge – and here’s the full transcript:
Did you sign Jordan Henderson for his goals?
We signed everything with him. If he manages to score two great goals like he did today, we are very happy for him. But goals aside, he has done a lot of good. I think it was a very full performance today. We were in control for most parts of the game, so I’m happy with that. We had good stability in defense as well, just a few situations in the first half. Second, after conceding 3-1 to 4-1 in eight minutes, we weren’t in control, but overall we were happy with the game, the performance. There are many other positives to take from the future and continue.
Does this show that Henderson is not just here to lead the side but can actually play and contribute in that way?
No, but for football, I think that he was a great midfielder, taking goals, always participating in actions, always giving solutions to his teammates. The way he plays, he has to communicate with the players around him. With Moises [Caicedo]It was important for Moises to play 65 minutes. We were in such a position that we were able to fix his load on the first day. So there’s a lot of good news today and here we go.
Why is this team so good at scoring early in games?
I don’t have a job [with it]so I have no answer. We always talk about how we try to start the game with good energy, but I don’t have any explanation, I don’t owe it. It never happened to me to score so early in such a short time. So let’s see if we can keep it up. But many other things have to happen after the goals. Maybe I prefer to score the first goal in the last minute. It will happen one day, I hope.
How did you feel Caicedo looks and how does he feel now?
The plan was for him not to play the whole game, even though you always want Moises on the field. But he feels good. We have a better midfield with him and when you are better in the middle you have a more complete team. I think it’s something to build around. They are strong in defense with our forward players. So I’m glad Moises is feeling better because he’s going to be a key player for us. We knew it and we saw it today.
How much push is there for the club to sign Cole Palmer to a new deal? You have shown very early on that you are willing to pay him back…
Yes, we knew. Yesterday [press conference]Lots of questions about Cole, other topics. But this has not changed. I am happy for him. I am also very happy for the club. I’m sure the fans have been happy that we’ve been calling for years. We must push him, we must help him so that these years will be successful. We’re starting to build on that, and it’s important in everything.
Morgan Rogers went all the way to the end of the World Cup with England, playing every game for you, playing four times during the international break. Are you surprised he’s made it to such a big level for you when he’s not had so much downtime in the preseason?
No, because he is young, fresh, strong and quick. He is a very perfect, modern footballer. Its availability is also very high, so that’s very, very important. He looks fresh and enjoys it because he connects so well with his teammates. He’s a great guy who connects with a lot of his teammates and I’d say he’s a big influence for the club.
What was the thinking behind Palmer’s contract because it’s such a long contract?
How old is Cole now? 24? So when you’re young you want to keep the best for years and we believe Cole will be a top player for many years, so the longer we can keep him the better. But I’m not a contract person [laughs].
Can you tell us about the Henderson and Caicedo partnership today?
It is different both in terms of quality and position. I think they help each other well and provide presence and stability. You know they’re going to help the rest because they understand the game, not just because of their quality. They can play in shorter spaces but are also well balanced defensively. For me, it’s important that we strengthen that area and I’m sure Moises and Hendo played today, it was his second game. Romeo [Lavia] also, he played some good minutes, reece [James] played a little there for a few minutes and [Valentin] Barco so we have to continue to build around that.
Can I check what Rhys James’ injury is?
Yes, he felt something, but after doing the tests in the afternoon, he had some minor problems with his knee, so we’ll have to see how long that lasts. We will evaluate week by week.