Xabi Alonso has revealed the half-time instructions that helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United on Saturday. The Chelsea head coach told his players to "be better with the ball and to not give away that much" during the interval team talk.
Second-half turnaround seals victory
Chelsea claimed all three points thanks to second-half goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. Sandwiched between the two strikes was a red card for Lisandro Martinez, who conceded a penalty that Palmer converted, effectively ending the contest for United.
United had been much improved compared to recent weeks, and Michael Carrick insisted he would still be in charge for the club's Champions League match with Roma on Tuesday despite the defeat.
Alonso demands more control
United spurned several clear chances in an open first half, and Alonso explained after the game how he demanded greater control from his side in the second period.
"When we spoke at half-time, we said we were going to win this game with the ball, so the improvement has been with the ball. The message was to be better with the ball and to not give away that much," he said.
"We changed some tactical things, but we were more comfortable on the pitch with better control. When you feel better with the ball, normally the better you are defending as well. So I think that reaction, that change, has been important for the feeling and the goal as well."
Mixed moments in the game
Asked for his overall thoughts on the match, Alonso added: "I think that there were different moments in the game. The first half was intense, with momentum for both sides. United had their chances and we were close as well. At half-time, we spoke and the reaction in the second half was better.
"We started quite well, got the lead, and we looked in better control. After it went 2-0 and the red card the context of the game changed, but it was not easy."
