Breaking: Lineker tells Alonso to fix Chelsea’s defence after 4-2-1 start
Gary Lineker, former Barcelona striker and football pundit, told The Rest Is Football podcast that Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso must fix the team’s defensive frailties to succeed at Stamford Bridge. Lineker noted that Alonso’s side have played seven games across competitions, winning four, losing two and drawing one, and stressed that a solid defence is the basis of any successful team, adding “You can’t score three or four in every game.”
This matters because Chelsea’s attacking potential is undermined whenever they concede goals; consistent defensive lapses risk dropping points in the Premier League and domestic cups, which could jeopardise a top-four finish, Champions League qualification and overall silverware hopes. Fans and stakeholders need to see whether Alonso can translate his midfield pedigree into an organised backline before the season reaches its business end.
Alonso was appointed Chelsea’s head coach at the end of last season and, per Lineker, will be given time to implement changes. Readers should watch upcoming fixtures for improvements in clean sheets and goals‑against averages, consider how a tighter defence might affect match results and betting odds, and decide whether to back the manager’s project or call for quicker fixes.