Sarri backs Alonso to be the best in Europe
MARCOS ALONSO has been challenged to become the best leftback 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 believes Alonso (above) 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 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.”
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 three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
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 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 Belarus side and Sarri said: “He is out for sure. He has a back problem. We are trying to sort out 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.
Sarri said: “This match is not a big problem because it is five days after our last match.
“The problem will be on Sunday because we play Burnley just 65 hours later, so we need to change.
“Jorginho 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... Loftus-Cheek maybe.”
Sarri says the club will accept the consequences of the FA’s decision to charge coach Marco Ianni after the incident with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho. He added: “I was there when Marco spoke to Jose Mourinho and he said sorry immediately. It was very important he realised he was wrong.” ■ This will be Chelsea’s first-ever meeting with Belarusian rivals. ■ BATE have lost three of their four meetings with English clubs (W1) – losing 1-2 at home to Everton but beating them at Goodison in 2009-10, and losing twice to Arsenal last season.
■ Chelsea are looking to win their first three group-stage games in major European competition for the first time since the 2010-11 Champions League campaign.
■ BATE’s win at MOL Vidi FC on matchday one ended a run of 12 away games without a win in major European competition, excluding qualifiers (D2 L10).
CHELSEA: Arrizabalaga, Zappacosta, Cahill, Christensen, Emerson, R Loftus-Cheek, Fabregas, Kovacic, Moses, Morata, Willian BATE: Scherbitski, Rios, Palyakow, Filipenko, Filipovi, Baha, Yablonskiy, Drahun, Ivanic, Stasevich, Tuominen