Alonso tells Chelsea to focus on Manchester United after Liverpool cup exit

Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea to quickly move beyond their Carabao Cup disappointment and concentrate on Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United.

Chelsea were eliminated in the fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday, losing a penalty shootout after a closely fought tie finished 1-1. Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo converted from the spot during normal time before Liverpool won the contest in sudden death.

Despite the frustration of the result, Alonso felt Chelsea had made progress in their performance against Liverpool and competed well throughout the match.

“Once you reach penalties, there’s going to be a sad side. It is us in this case, but I have to say that during the game we played at a very good competitive level,” he said.

“It was a good performance. We showed an improvement, I would say. That’s what we wanted.”

The game produced few clear-cut opportunities and remained finely balanced, while Chelsea also had to manage difficult moments, including an injury to Max Lacroix.

“We played with courage. The game was really close; it could have gone either way,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea manager described the defeat as a minor setback but insisted the club could not afford to dwell on it with Manchester United due at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

“It’s a small setback, but we need to move on. As soon as we leave Anfield, our focus is Saturday’s Premier League game.”

Mike Penders is expected to remain in goal while Emiliano Martinez is absent. Alonso praised the Belgian goalkeeper for the composure he displayed following Chelsea’s previous defeat by Tottenham.

“He looked really solid with good composure, like he had dealt well with Saturday,” Alonso said. “That is what it takes in this job to overcome difficult situations, and he did quite well.”

There was also support for Emmanuel Emegha, who came on as a substitute to make his Chelsea debut but had his penalty saved during the shootout.

Alonso acknowledged how difficult it was for the forward to have such a defining moment so early in his Chelsea career.

“It’s hard to make your debut with that moment that could mean everything for him, for us,” he said.

However, Alonso said the squad needed to use the experience as a lesson rather than allow the defeat to affect preparations for Manchester United.

“It is about learning from all the experiences, even like today when it was a sad one,” he said. “As soon as we get on the bus, I move on. I think about United.”