Xabi Alonso: Romeo Lavia had a ‘mental block’ over completing 90 minutes

Romeo Lavia’s return to full fitness has taken another encouraging step, with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso revealing that the midfielder had been battling a “mental block” over completing 90 minutes.

Lavia played the entire match as Chelsea produced their most convincing pre-season performance so far, beating AC Milan 3-0 in a result that offered plenty of encouragement to Alonso ahead of the new campaign.

The Belgian midfielder’s ability to last the full game was particularly significant given his struggles with injuries since joining Chelsea. While the 22-year-old has previously completed 90 minutes, doing so again represents an important moment in his efforts to establish himself as a regular member of the team.

Alonso was delighted with Lavia’s achievement and admitted the midfielder had been carrying a psychological hurdle surrounding his ability to finish matches.

“I’m very happy for him,” Alonso said to Chelsea TV after the game.

“Because he has had a mental block. He was tired but I said let him play, let him enjoy the 90 minutes. When he finished he was exhausted. So I think he’s really happy.”

Alonso backs Lavia to build momentum

Lavia’s fitness has been a major talking point since his arrival at Chelsea, with injuries restricting his opportunities to build consistency.

The midfielder endured a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge after joining from Southampton, making only a limited number of appearances during his first campaign. Further fitness problems have continued to disrupt his progress, making every sustained run of games important.

For Alonso, allowing Lavia to push through the final stages against Milan was part of helping the midfielder regain confidence in his body as well as his football.

The Spaniard’s decision to keep him on the pitch despite his fatigue ultimately paid off, with Lavia completing the match and receiving a significant confidence boost.

The Chelsea midfielder’s previous experience of playing 90 minutes means the milestone is not entirely unprecedented. He completed a full game against Manchester City in a pre-season friendly two years ago, but repeating the feat now carries greater significance as he attempts to establish himself under a new manager.

Chelsea impress in Milan test

Chelsea’s 3-0 victory was also Alonso’s most impressive result of pre-season so far, with the Blues producing an energetic and controlled display against the Italian giants.

Moises Caicedo played a central role in the performance, scoring and providing an assist as Chelsea maintained their attacking threat throughout the contest.

The result will give Alonso further encouragement as he continues to shape his squad and assess his players ahead of the competitive season.

For Lavia, however, the biggest victory may have come from simply reaching the final whistle.

After a prolonged battle with injuries and concerns over his ability to sustain a full match, completing 90 minutes against Milan could provide the psychological lift he needs to begin a more consistent chapter of his Chelsea career.