Xabi Alonso demands Chelsea improve mentality after Brentford defeat

Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea they must improve their mentality and consistency after a 3-0 defeat by Brentford increased the pressure on the Spanish manager.

Chelsea were beaten comfortably at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho scored to maintain Brentford’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The result leaves Chelsea without a win in their past three matches and seventh in the table. Brentford, meanwhile, have moved up to third.

Chelsea are still waiting for their first league clean sheet of the season after conceding in every match. They allowed goals in wins against Fulham and Brighton, and also surrendered a lead in last weekend’s match against Hull.

Alonso acknowledged that his side need to improve in several areas if they are to compete consistently in the Premier League.

“We knew that it’s a process,” Alonso said.

“It’s only five games and each game in a competitive Premier League is really hard. We knew that it was going to be hard, it’s nothing new.”

However, the former Real Madrid coach was unhappy with Chelsea’s display and questioned their mentality after they failed to sustain their performance throughout the match.

“This is not enough to compete in the Premier League,” Alonso told Sky Sports.

“We were not able to maintain our level for the full 90 minutes and that’s why we were punished today.

“It’s about everything. It’s about the mentality, the football and the tactical things that we need to keep improving. We can do much better.”

Brentford took control of the game as Chelsea were unable to maintain their intensity, with the home side taking advantage of the visitors’ defensive weaknesses to secure a convincing victory.

The defeat adds to a difficult start for Alonso, whose team have now gone three league matches without success. Chelsea’s failure to keep a clean sheet in any of their league fixtures has also remained a concern.

Alonso will have the international break to work with his squad before Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture.

They return to action against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 10 October.