Xabi Alonso insisted "the Premier League is the main focus" for Chelsea after their EFL Cup exit against Liverpool.

The Blues were knocked out on penalties at Anfield, with the Reds winning 6-5 in the shoot-out after Wesley Fofana missed the decisive spot-kick.

The tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes as Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scored penalties for their respective sides in the first half.

Chelsea had the opportunity to win the shoot-out, but debutant Emmanuel Emegha saw his effort saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Despite a chance at early silverware now gone for ex-Liverpool star Alonso, the Spaniard quickly turned his focus to Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

"Every time you reach the penalties, someone will feel it is harsh to go out of the competition. It was really close from both sides. Penalties mean it is open to anything," Alonso told Sky Sports.

"They have performed at a good enough level to compete at Anfield. We conceded the penalty and it was even. The game was really close for both sides.

"This is football. It is part of our job. We were showing a good level and this is what it takes to come to these stadiums. The Premier League is the main focus.

"We don't have much time to recover because the game is Saturday, early kick-off so we need to change the mindset quite quickly."

We lose on penalties. #CFC | #CarabaoCup https://t.co/3xVOQHof17

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2026

In the absence of the injured Joao Pedro and suspended Cole Palmer, Rogers took on more responsibility in Chelsea's attack.

He led his side in shots (six), touches in the box (nine) and successful dribbles (3/5) to go along with his goal.

"It is probably the worst way to lose a game," Rogers told ITV Sport.

"It was an even game and at times we had the better of it. I had half chances that I'd have liked to have put away.

"It was one of those that can go either way and you have to accept it."