[monks data]

Pre-season Friendlies

Jul 23, 2018 at 12.30pm UK

Perth Glory Perth Glory
0-1
Chelsea

FT(HT: 0-1)

Pedro (5')

Marcos Alonso encouraged by Maurizio Sarri's style of play at Chelsea

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 July 2018

Defender Marcos Alonso suggests that he has been left encouraged by the system which head coach Maurizio Sarri plans to use at Chelsea this season.

Defender Marcos Alonso has suggested that he is happy to be used in a different role under new head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Alonso has spent the last two years playing as a left wing-back in a 3-4-3 system used by previous boss Antonio Conte, but Sarri is expected to play with four at the back.

That would see Alonso used at left-back, but the Spaniard has indicated that he has been left encouraged by how Sarri plans to set up his team.

The 27-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "We are working on some new things - a new formation and a new style. He wants us to press high and he wants the team together for possession of the ball.

"A lot of the things we have just started working on but it is looking good. I don't have to run as much as last year! It's good, more for us to defend and when I can, try and help the team in attack."

Alonso started Chelsea's pre-season friendly with Perth Glory on Monday, a game which the Blues won by a 1-0 scoreline.