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According to a report by Football London on Tuesday October 27, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is gearing up for his eleventh game in charge, and Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Liverpool at Anfield will be a big test as the pressure mounts.
With four wins from their first eight Premier League matches, Chelsea is currently in fifth place. Yet, worries have been raised by three losses, the most recent being a disheartening home loss to Tottenham.
Despite displaying determination against Arsenal, Chelsea's loss to Brentford was especially disheartening. Supporters found it hard to accept the team's recent 2-0 loss to Tottenham, which increased the scrutiny of Alonso's management.
Alonso should not be subjected to immediate pressure after the Brentford loss, according to former England striker Gary Lineker. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the Chelsea manager would face intense scrutiny after such a string of poor performances.
Cesc Fabregas, manager of Como, is still showing signs of being a viable alternative for Chelsea to consider if they decide to reevaluate their managerial position.
Despite mounting rumors, Clearlake Capital, the owners of Chelsea, has shown no signs of wanting to end their long-term partnership with Alonso. As a Premier League team, they are currently in a position to qualify for the Champions League and are still playing in the Carabao Cup.
It has been reported by TalkSPORT that Chelsea may have other candidates in mind for the managerial position in the event that results worsen dramatically. Stamford Bridge was interested in Fabregas before Alonso was appointed, so he is still a possibility.
Under his leadership, Como have performed admirably in Italy, and the former Chelsea midfielder has maintained his impressive form. Their present position inside the top four of Serie A and their remarkable 4-1 Champions League triumph against Manchester United have further elevated his reputation.
Reportedly, Chelsea are keeping tabs on their former midfielder as he develops his managerial career.
Many key players' injuries have also contributed to Alonso's struggles. Emmanuel Emegha, Pep Chavarria, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Reece James, and Emiliano Martinez are all out with injuries that will reduce the team's experience and quality.
Chelsea now have a tough week ahead of them, starting with a trip to Liverpool, who beat Brighton 2-0 not long ago. Palmer's suspension adds another obstacle for Alonso to overcome before the race.
A win is crucial because the Blues will be hosting Manchester United shortly after. Alonso could be under even more pressure before that important match if he suffers back-to-back losses.
The best way for Alonso to calm the mounting fears is to win races. Chelsea's ownership should show patience and give him enough time to build his team.