Alonso told to display greatness

MARCOS ALONSO has been challenged to become the best left-back in Europe after committing his long-term future to Chelsea.

The Spaniard, 27, has landed a new, five-year deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2023.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri (inset) believes Alonso (top) can take his game to the next level but warned the former Sunderland and Bolton defender he is not yet the finished article.

He said: “I am very happy with him and for him. I think he can be the best left-back in Europe.

“But I think also that he needs to improve in the defensive phase because he was used to playing in a back-five.

And now has to play in a four.

“If he can improve I think he will be best leftback in Europe.”

Alonso - who is likely to be rested for tonight’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov - has collected Premier League and FA Cup winners’ medals in his two season at Stamford Bridge.

And he is convinced the arrival of Sarri at the club this summer can help him add to his trophy haul.

He said: “I have been here three years, I have won two titles, I’m hungry for more and here is where I want to win and keep improving.

“When Maurizio came came I had only heard things about him but now I can say he is a great manager.

“But this is just the beginning.”

Eden Hazard has been ruled out of the home clash with the

Belarusians with a back problem.

Sarri said: “Tomorrow he is out for sure. He has a back problem. We are trying to sort the problem for Burnley on Sunday, it is not easy.”

The Italian is ready to rotate his squad with Andreas Christensen, and Ruben Loftus-cheek in contention to start.

He added: “This match is not a big problem because it is five days after this last match.

“The problem will be on Sunday because we play Burnley just 65 hours later, so we need to change somebody.

“For example, Jorginho I think will need to rest now.

“Ethan Ampadu is out, Christensen, I think will be on the pitch, I don’t know about Callum Hudson-odoi, Loftuscheek maybe.”

Sarri insists Marco Ianni deserves a second chance following his confriontation with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho at the weekend.

Sarri says the club will accept the consequences of the FA’S decision to charge Ianni with improper conduct and said: “I was there when Marco spoke to Jose Mourinho and he said sorry immediately.

“It was very important that he realised he was wrong.”

GROUP L