Xabi Alonso, Chelsea coach, expressed his disappointment after the elimination from the English League Cup in the round of 16, after the defeat against Liverpool in the penalty shootout, and stated that the Premier League will be the main focus of the Blues in the next period.
Chelsea drew against Liverpool (1-1), yesterday Wednesday at the Anfield stadium, before both teams headed to the penalty shootout that smiled on the home team.
Alonso told Sky Sports after the game: “Every time a game goes to penalties, some feel that being left out of the tournament is cruel. It was a very close game for both teams. Penalties make all possibilities open.”
And he added, as reported by the chain “BBC“: “The players performed well enough to compete at the Anfield stadium. We conceded the penalty and the score was tied. “It was a very even game for both teams.”
He continued: “The performance of goalkeeper Mike (Penders) was solid. We didn’t give him many opportunities, but he was firm and strong in his performance. That was very important for us in the first half.”
And he continued: “This is football. It is part of our job. We have been offering a good level, and that is what is needed to reach these stadiums. The Premier League is our main focus of attention.”
And he concluded his statements: “We don’t have much time to recover because the game is on Saturday, and it starts soon, so we need to change our way of thinking very quickly.”
Chelsea will open the matches of the ninth round of the Premier League with a confrontation against Manchester United, at the Old Trafford stadium, next Saturday.
Chelsea occupies fifth place in the Premier League standings with 13 points, 8 points behind Manchester City, the competition leader.