Joe Cole believes Xabi Alonso is "angry" with Chelsea's board for failing to sign a midfielder this summer.

Joe Cole fears that Xabi Alonso's decision to substitute 16-year-old Mahdi Jazouli during Chelsea's away defeat to Brentford was an "angry" message to the board.

Chelsea conceded three goals in the second half at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night. They have conceded at least two goals in every Premier League match this season.

Caicedo has not played this season due to a muscle injury and was again absent against Brentford. Henderson was also unavailable, despite frequently playing in midfield under Alonso.

With several players sidelined, Alonso deployed the 36-year-old Henderson in midfield alongside new signing Valentin Barco. Although Lavia was on the bench, Chelsea fell two goals behind late in the match when Alonso brought on teenager Jazouli. Fabio Carvalho then scored in stoppage time.

Last season, midfield was arguably Chelsea's strongest position, but following the departures of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, they appear significantly weaker.

Chelsea sold Fernández on the final day of the transfer window to Manchester City and had agreed a deal with Monaco to sign Lamine Camara as a replacement, but the transfer ultimately collapsed at the last minute.

Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes Jazouli's appearance was a "big signal" to Chelsea's decision-makers and considers the central midfield a "major blind spot" for the club.

Jazouli was brought on minutes before the final whistle (Image: Getty)

Murray said on Premier League Productions: "I think when Xabi Alonso brings on a 16-year-old Mahdi Jazouli when you're two goals down, that's a message to the board: you haven't brought in enough midfield players following the departures of Caicedo and Fernández in the transfer window."

"That's a major blind spot for them. They've had to improvise with centre-backs in midfield at times. They had two recognised central midfielders today, but to bring on a 16-year-old sends a very clear message."

Alonso has used three different midfield combinations across five league matches this season, even deploying right-back Gusto in a central role.

Chelsea legend Cole agreed that the intent behind Alonso's spontaneous decision was "crystal clear" and believed Alonso's demeanour as he left the pitch after the match spoke volumes.

"Glenn is absolutely right. Xabi Alonso is sending a message to the board: we don't have enough players, and I'm putting a 16-year-old in midfield, away from home, to chase the game against our rivals."

"For me, it's all crystal clear. And the way he left the pitch at the end, I believe he is absolutely furious about it."

Übersetzt von KI.

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