According to a report by Football London on Monday October 26, 2026, Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Mike Penders will start in goal when Chelsea face Liverpool in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie, despite the young goalkeeper’s difficult Premier League debut against Tottenham at Anfield.

Penders, 21, endured a disappointing evening as Chelsea lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. He misjudged a corner and punched the ball into his own net, allowing Tottenham to take the lead during defeat.

Although the Belgium international had performed reasonably well before the error, Chelsea wasted attacking opportunities and made mistakes in possession. Mathys Tel later doubled Tottenham’s lead, despite his teammates’ mistakes during their build-up.

Alonso defended his goalkeeper after the defeat and insisted the club would continue trusting him. “We keep confidence in Mike, and he will be in goal against Liverpool,” the Chelsea manager said publicly.

He added: “We win, and we lose together, and it’s part of the job to deal with mistakes, myself as well as everyone.” Alonso also expressed support for young teammate Geo Quenda too.

Alonso said both youngsters were making their first Premier League starts and would receive the club’s backing. Penders, he added, would want to show improvement, while Chelsea must respond collectively after the setback.

Defender Maxence Lacroix also defended Penders, describing him as a talented young goalkeeper who would learn from the experience. He said mistakes happen in football and life, and teammates must support one another.

Lacroix said Chelsea would stand behind Penders, believing the goalkeeper could still make an important contribution this season. He urged the squad to move forward and prepare for the Liverpool challenge ahead now.

Lacroix called the Anfield match a major opportunity and said Chelsea wanted to progress in the competition. He insisted the team needed to improve, react with determination, and “show a face” against Liverpool.