🚨🇪🇸 It forms part of Alonso's drive to make Chelsealess predictable as they look to maximise every opportunity to improve attacking output after last season's disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League.

Xabi Alonso used the break to reassess Chelsea’s system after a difficult start, with the Blues conceding a league-high 12 goals before the pause.

The 3-0 defeat to Brentford highlighted the need for change, and Alonso responded against Bournemouth by dropping his defensive line, adjusting the pressing structure and modifying Chelsea’s build-up play.

The changes gave the side greater defensive solidity, with Moisés Caicedo’s return to midfield proving a significant factor.

There had been some ridicule after Chelseasuffered a 2-0 defeat in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Portsmouth.

However, that match was seen as more of a training exercise internally.

It featured Caicedo and other returning players getting limited minutes following injury, with a number of academy players also involved.

There was also coaching, experimenting and tactical work going on throughout the game, so the result was not the focus.

Alonso said he spent a lot of time doing "office work", which insiders believe largely involved tactical analysis of previous matches and preparation for future opponents.

🔗 Nizaar Kinsella - BBC Sport

#CFC | #Chelsea

📲 @CFC_ChelseaFC

🦘 Roobet – The #1 Crypto Casino & Sportsbook.