Thibaut Courtois backs Xabi Alonso to succeed at Chelsea despite defensive concerns

Thibaut Courtois has backed former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso to achieve success at Chelsea despite identifying the defensive problems facing his former coach.

Alonso took charge at Stamford Bridge during the summer after leaving Real Madrid and has overseen an inconsistent beginning to his first Premier League campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Courtois revealed that he remains in contact with the Spaniard and believes his qualities will eventually become evident.

“I had a conversation with him during the World Cup, he asked me for advice on something,” Courtois said. “I’m happy for him, I really liked him as a coach.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in Madrid, but I’m sure he’ll do great things at Chelsea.”

Courtois highlighted Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability as an obvious issue Alonso must address.

“I think they also have to solve some of the same problems we have, namely that we concede too many chances,” he added.

“I’m sure that once they find their balance, everything will be fine.”

That assessment has been supported by Chelsea’s opening four Premier League matches.

The Blues began with victories over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring seven goals but conceding five across those two games.

Arsenal subsequently exposed some of their vulnerabilities during a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, recovering from Morgan Rogers’ opening goal through Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Chelsea’s problems continued against newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

Rogers gave Alonso’s team an early lead, but Mohamed Belloumi scored twice as Hull capitalised on defensive mistakes before Joao Pedro rescued a 2-2 draw.

Chelsea have now conceded in 20 consecutive Premier League matches and remain without a league clean sheet this season.

Alonso acknowledged after the Hull draw that Chelsea must become ‘more solid’ and improve their control, accepting that the process will take time with new players and coaching staff.

The Spaniard’s attacking ideas have already produced encouraging signs, particularly through the combination of Rogers, Pedro and Cole Palmer.

Finding the balance Courtois referenced could therefore determine how quickly Chelsea progress from an exciting attacking team into genuine Premier League title contenders.

The Belgian experienced Alonso’s methods first-hand during their time together in Madrid, and despite that spell ending unsuccessfully, he remains convinced he can make Chelsea work.