John Terry has warned Chelsea that conceding five goals in two matches is “not good enough” and hopes manager Xabi Alonso uses the coming days on the training pitch to address the defensive issues ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal.
The Blues maintained their perfect start to the season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton, but the result again exposed the defensive frailty that has troubled the club in recent campaigns. New goalkeeper Emi Martinez made his debut following his move from Aston Villa, yet the goals continued to flow at the other end.
Terry calls for defensive improvement
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Chelsea captain acknowledged that the attacking display was impressive but insisted the defence must improve. “As good as the attacking play was I think we have to look at the defence and I’m sure the manager will in the next few days,” he said.
“Five goals conceded in two games not good enough really, I think we need to tighten that up for sure and I think that will happen for sure with Martinez coming in. Again, when the manager has got time and space to work within these weeks I’m sure this is something he’s going to look to improve.”
Alonso backed to work on defensive sessions
Terry also pointed to the limited time Alonso has had with his players, with several away at the World Cup. “Also, as a back three or four, whatever it may be, a back five at times, he hasn’t really had much time with players away at the World Cup. I’m sure the manager is really going to look to get into those defensive sessions and how we can improve.”
Looking ahead to the trip to Arsenal, Terry described the game as a “huge test” and named the Gunners as favourites for the Premier League title. “We have a big game coming up away to the champions Arsenal, that’s going to be a big game and a huge test. The manager has got time and space within those five days to work on us defensively because they’ve shown last year and early this year they’ve got goals in their team and they’re a very good side. They’re big favourites for the Premier League for me Arsenal so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Martinez impact and Sanchez future in doubt
Robert Sanchez, whose errors in Monday’s win over Fulham prompted the club to move for Martinez, was not in the squad, with his future at Chelsea now in serious doubt. The goalkeeper position had been seen as the team’s final weak link following a squad revamp in the transfer window.
Alonso praised Martinez’s debut, saying: “With Emi, a World Cup winner, 34 years old, experience all around. A keeper wants to have a clean sheet, but I’m happy with his first impact. He’s just been in the building for 48 hours. Day by day we will feel his presence because he has this charisma, this aura, to influence and have a very positive connection with the rest of team.”
