Xabi Alonso defends Chelsea tactics and hints at Hull changes

Xabi Alonso has defended Chelsea’s low-possession approach at the start of the Premier League season but admits he wants his team to develop greater control as key players return.

Chelsea have collected six points from their opening three league matches despite averaging only 36 per cent possession, an unusually low figure for a side expected to dominate opponents.

However, Alonso believes possession statistics alone do not determine whether his tactical approach is working. Chelsea have scored eight goals from 48 attempts, demonstrating the attacking efficiency that has helped compensate for their limited time on the ball.

Chelsea's early performances have differed from the possession-heavy football often associated with teams competing near the top of the Premier League.

Alonso is comfortable with that situation as long as his side continue creating opportunities while restricting opponents.

“Possession is a key part, but for me the key part is to create chances, to have chances to win games, not to concede that many chances,” Alonso explained.

The Spaniard nevertheless acknowledged that keeping the ball can provide Chelsea with greater control.

“Sometimes, for sure, with the ball you can control better, but sometimes you need to be able to feel that you are controlling when you have the ball, because the opponents are good and the context and the competition is really hard.”

For Alonso, the emphasis therefore appears to be on effective possession rather than possession for its own sake.

Saturday's Premier League meeting with Hull City could require a different approach.

Hull are another team comfortable operating without large amounts of possession, meaning Chelsea could find themselves responsible for controlling the ball and breaking down a more defensive opponent.

Alonso has already indicated that tactical adjustments are likely.

“We have a clear idea that it's going to be hard each game and the context of each game is different,” he said.

“We will have to change, for sure, our approach of the game.”

Chelsea's ability to adapt could therefore become an important feature of Alonso's first season in charge rather than the manager committing exclusively to one style.

Alonso also suggested Chelsea have yet to show their complete tactical identity because important members of his squad remain unavailable.

Moises Caicedo has endured an injury-hit start to the campaign, while summer arrival Jordan Henderson has also been sidelined.

Their absence has restricted Alonso's midfield options and potentially Chelsea's ability to dictate matches through possession.

“We are still in the early days to know what this team, for sure, is going to be,” Alonso said.

“I think that we will develop many things. We will develop when important players are joining and they are able to play.”

That suggests Chelsea supporters may see a different version of Alonso's team once his preferred midfield options are available consistently.

Despite Chelsea entering the Hull encounter as favourites, Alonso has warned his players against assuming another victory will come easily.

The Blues have shown they can be devastating going forward, most recently scoring six times during their Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United.

Hull could pose a very different tactical problem.

“Tomorrow we are prepared, we are ready,” Alonso said. “There is not going to be complacency from us.”

Chelsea's challenge will be demonstrating that they can produce the same attacking threat when they are expected to dominate territory and possession.

Chelsea's meeting with Hull should provide an interesting test of the next stage in Alonso's tactical development.

After demonstrating their ability to attack efficiently with limited possession, the Blues may now be required to control proceedings themselves. How Chelsea handle that responsibility could offer a clearer indication of the football Alonso ultimately wants his side to play.