Chelsea warned they cannot sustain season with Xabi Alonso's open defence

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned that Xabi Alonso’s side cannot sustain a full season playing the way they currently are defensively.

The Blues have looked vulnerable at the back under Alonso, with the former Real Madrid manager opting to use a back three since taking charge.

Leboeuf believes Chelsea’s defensive structure needs to change, particularly with Wesley Fofana struggling to look comfortable in the system.

Fofana struggling in Alonso's back three

Speaking to Mr Gamble, the former France international questioned whether Chelsea have been this open defensively before.

“Have I ever seen a Chelsea side so open at the back? Not often. Xabi Alonso came in with his ideas and set up three at the back, but you need the right personnel for that.

“While Colwill and Lacroix can manage it, I'm not sure Fofana feels comfortable playing in a back three. Whenever he has the ball or needs to defend, he looks unsure of his positioning.

“He would be more comfortable in a back four as a central defender. But with Lacroix and Colwill there, he won't get that setup. Lacroix won't always be available, maybe they can work on his condition during the international break.

“Something has to be done. Continuing with a back three with Fofana on the right side isn't going to work because opponents will target that side.

“Unless you put Lacroix on the right, Fofana in the middle, and Colwill on the left, it won't work.”

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Chelsea's midfield is also a concern

Leboeuf believes Chelsea’s defensive problems are not limited to the back three, with injuries also leaving Alonso without some important midfield options.

“Without Caicedo, the midfield isn't strong enough right now to act as the first barrier against opponents.

“Without Reece James, Caicedo, or Lavia, you rely on Barco and Henderson, who are good players, but Henderson is getting older and Barco lacks experience at this level despite his potential.”

The former Chelsea star also believes the team’s defensive problems extend to set pieces, with the attackers failing to contribute enough when defending corners.

“Also, the attackers aren't tracking back effectively on set pieces. Against Brentford, defensive mistakes on corners led to goals. It's not just the defence, it's a mentality issue.

“You can think offensively, but you must stay switched on defensively as well. Look at Liverpool and Man City, they've had moments of fragility too. Chelsea needs to resolve this issue because if the team doesn't score three or four goals a game, they're in danger. You can't sustain a whole season playing like that.”

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