Xabi Alonso calls for Chelsea reset after League Cup defeat by Liverpool

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea must quickly turn their attention to the Premier League after their League Cup campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Wednesday in the last 16, but the home side held their nerve from the spot to secure their place in the next round.

Alonso admitted the result was disappointing but said the match had been closely contested by both teams.

“Whenever a game goes to penalties, some people feel that going out of the competition is harsh,” Alonso told Sky Sports. “It was a very even game between the two teams. Penalties mean that every outcome is possible.”

The Chelsea manager added, as reported by the BBC: “The players performed well enough to compete at Anfield. We conceded the penalty and the score became level. It was a very close game for both teams.”

Liverpool goalkeeper Mike Penders also came in for praise from Alonso, who felt his display had been important during the opening half.

“The goalkeeper, Mike, was very strong,” he said. “We did not give him many opportunities, but he was consistent and strong in his performance. That was very important for us in the first half.”

Alonso said Chelsea’s exit was part of football and insisted the Premier League was now the club’s main priority.

“That is football. It is part of our job,” he said. “We were performing well, and that is what it takes to reach these stadiums. The Premier League is our main focus.”

Chelsea have little time to recover from the Anfield match, with their next fixture coming on Saturday at an early kick-off.

“We do not have much time to recover because the game is on Saturday and starts early, so we need to change our mindset very quickly,” Alonso said.

Chelsea will begin the ninth round of Premier League matches against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, 31 October 2026. They go into the fixture fifth in the table with 13 points, eight behind leaders Manchester City.

Liverpool will face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, 1 November 2026.