Xabi Alonso is busy preparing for his 11th match in charge as Chelsea manager, and it is a big one: a trip back to Anfield to face Liverpool. The pressure is growing on Alonso.

Chelsea currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League as things stand, after winning four of their eight Premier League games. However, they have also lost three, including Sunday’s home loss to Tottenham.

The defeat to Arsenal was a brave, battling performance. The loss at Brentford was a hammering, but it can happen. But the dismal 2-0 home defeat to Spurs sent alarm bells through the Chelsea fanbase.

Gary Lineker said the pressure shouldn’t be on yet, after the loss at Brentford. But he did say that, after a few more losses like the one at Brentford, he will be under the microscope. Well, Spurs was a bad loss.

Fabregas remains a possibility as Como boss continues to shine

Alonso is in it for the long haul, and there is no reason to think that Clearlake aren’t, either. But a report from TalkSPORT this week suggests a contingency list could be in place if things really do become toxic.

Things are far from toxic at the moment. Chelsea remain in the Carabao Cup and sit in fifth in the league. Going deep in one of the competitions and a fifth-place finish, meaning Champions League, is very solid.

But TalkSPORT do say that Como manager Cesc Fabregas remains a possibility for Chelsea. In the summer, the Spaniard had admirers at Stamford Bridge before the appointment of Alonso, and he’s getting better.

The 4-1 win over Manchester United with Como in the Champions League, while Como are currently in the top four in Serie A, proves Fabregas is thriving. Chelsea are keeping tabs on their old midfielder.

Crucial week for Alonso; He needs his key players back

One thing that seems to have gone under the radar is that Alonso has experienced more than his fair share of injuries. Right now, the core has been ripped out of his team, and it played a part on Saturday.

Emi Martinez, Reece James, Joao Pedro, Pep Chavarria, Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are out as things stand. Without the quality and experience of Martinez, James and Pedro, Chelsea are weaker.

Now, Alonso faces a tough week. Chelsea face Liverpool away, a massive game with the Reds in good form after a 2-0 win over Brighton. A tough task, beating Liverpool away; Cole Palmer is suspended, too.

Then, Chelsea host Manchester United. Alonso needs a result at Anfield, because Man United is a must-win game. If Chelsea face Man United after two defeats, it increases the pressure on Chelsea and Alonso.

The pressure is certainly on for Alonso, but it always has been since he became Chelsea manager. Wins are the natural remedy, but Clearlake and Behdad Eghbali must give him the time to make mistakes.