Did Enzo request to sit out? Alonaso: "No, it was a decision made by me and the club"

In the Carabao Cup second round, Chelsea defeated Luton Town 2-0 at home. After the match, Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso attended a press conference and answered questions from the media.

Xavi, congratulations. You fielded a very strong lineup. What did you make of the team's performance tonight?

Good evening, everyone. Of course, we always want to select a competitive lineup. We take every match seriously. We're in a transitional phase from preseason to the official season, and I think many things have only just started and many processes are still being established. It's wonderful that some players made their debuts for the club tonight. It's also great to play our first official match at home. It wasn't an easy match. I have respect for Servette—they made things difficult for us—but we played with conviction and patience, believing that our first goal would come sooner or later. And we performed very well.

What happened between yesterday's press conference and today? Enzo Fernández wasn't in the squad, and we all thought he would play tonight.

Yes, but we assess what's best for the team tonight and what works well for the other players we have from both an individual and collective perspective, and then we make our decision.

Following up on the previous question, there were reports in Argentina that he himself requested not to play in this match. Can you confirm this?

No, no, this was a joint decision made by me and the club.

Regarding the players making their debuts today, what did you think of the performances of Danny Welbeck, Penders, and Barco?

Yes, it will be an unforgettable, special day for them. Mike (Penders) is definitely happy. For a goalkeeper, keeping a clean sheet in a debut is always a wonderful feeling. Valentín (Barco) was impressive—very dynamic, excellent with the ball, and very aware of what was happening in midfield. Danny Welbeck had to be patient, stay in the box, and wait for crosses. He came close in the first half but didn't finish, and then he got his first goal. That was very important, with a great assist from Gusto. He was there doing what he does best—finishing in the right position.

After Reece James was sent off, you gave the captain's armband to Cole Palmer, and he played the full 90 minutes. Some might have been surprised you kept him on, so why did you decide to keep him on the pitch?

Cole has had a good preseason and is well prepared. He's the type of player who can play 90 minutes. We have our own thinking, and it depends on the specific circumstances of the match, but Cole's physical condition and stamina are very good. Now he needs to recover properly for Sunday's match.

You always say that building connections in attack is very important. Tonight, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers didn't score, but you must be quite satisfied with their performances?

Yes, the team's overall performance was very serious. This was definitely a match to learn how to break down defensive blocks set up low. Facing a 5-4-1 formation isn't easy for any team in any league. We'll encounter these situations again, so we need to learn from today.

Xavi, you said Enzo Fernández's absence was a decision made by you and the club—is this because transfer negotiations involving Enzo are ongoing?

No, no, no, this is simply for tonight's match. We made this decision because we need to give playing time to other players.

When did you make this decision?

Yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon?

In the afternoon.

Did you speak to him?

This was my decision.

When you told him, how did he react?

Very well. He's a professional. He trains well, and there's nothing to say about him. This was simply a decision we had to make considering tonight's match. As for Sunday's match, let's see what happens.

There are reports that Chelsea are in contact with Emiliano Martínez. Is Robert still the main goalkeeper?

I don't want to talk too much about this because I prefer to talk about the players currently in my locker room. I'm focused on them, and it would be disrespectful to discuss other matters.

Regarding the goalkeeper situation, how would you rate Penders' performance tonight? If Emiliano Martínez joins, what are your plans for the goalkeeper position going forward?

As for Mike (Penders), he will certainly face tougher matches in the future. But even under pressure, I can see he plays calmly with excellent composure on the ball. He didn't have much to do today, but he's a wonderful prospect for now and the future. So we need to take it one step at a time. He's playing in the cup competition now, and we'll see how things develop.

Two questions: Considering the transfer rumors around Emiliano Martínez, do you need to have conversations with Robert and Mike? Second, will Enzo Fernández be considered for Sunday's match?

The match just ended. Before, I was thinking about Luton and Brighton, but now I need to switch focus. Starting tomorrow, we'll prepare for Brighton. There were no injuries today, but players who played a lot need to recover. However, we need plenty of energy and clear heads for the big match here on Sunday.

Xavi, regarding the transfer rumors about Emiliano Martínez—throughout the summer, the club's message was always that Chelsea are satisfied with their current goalkeepers. What has changed? Is it because of Robert's performance on Monday night, or why has the situation changed?

No, we're satisfied with our current lineup, but as I always say, we need to monitor the situation. The transfer window still has some time left, and decisions can still be made. Let's see what happens next.

AI翻訳。

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