Chelsea will host AFC Bournemouth in their sixth Premier League match. In the latter half of his pre-match press conference, Xabi Alonso discussed the team's injury updates and his expectations for the game. Related link: [Alonso: Caicedo is ready; Manchester City found guilty? We must patiently await the outcome]

Regarding tomorrow's opponent, AFC Bournemouth, under Marco Rose, they play exciting football, but the new coach has yet to secure his first win. How challenging do you expect tomorrow's test to be?

It will be a tough game, high-intensity and physically demanding. The team's tactical approach is clear. Under Rose, and previously under Iraola, the core of the team has remained largely unchanged. Matches against AFC Bournemouth are always difficult, but we are playing at home and need to perform well. We are eager to win and need a victory. We are ready for tomorrow.

Another question about Manchester City: this situation didn't directly affect you as a player, but if you were a player back then and potentially missed out on a title because of it, how would you feel?

Honestly, I haven't imagined such a scenario. I don't want to predict the outcome. I prefer to wait until the final ruling is released to see how things unfold. But this matter doesn't concern me, so it's not something I need to worry about.

You briefly mentioned earlier that a three-week break is too long. If players have to play four matches in 11 days with constant travel, could such a long layoff be detrimental to their physical condition?

If you ask me which arrangement I prefer, three shorter breaks or one long break like this, I would lean towards the former. This long break can take players out of their match rhythm; the rest period is too extended. Of course, the rules won't change because of my opinion. If consulted, I would stick to the old schedule.

But from another perspective, this international break actually benefited your team, with several injured players returning, essentially giving you a fresh start.

That's true, we utilized this window, and it was positive for us. But from the perspective of a coach and club preparations, I still prefer the old model. National team coaches might prefer such long breaks, and players' opinions also vary. We'll see how the schedule adjusts next year.

You mentioned in an interview yesterday that the team's start to the season hasn't been ideal. Will it take longer than you expected to get the team to your desired level?

It takes time. How long exactly, we'll see as we go. We need to continuously improve and learn. It's a process: becoming more competitive, playing our ideal football, learning to read game situations, and adapting on the fly. We learn something from every match, but we must avoid repeating mistakes and understand that every Premier League game is challenging.

Another question about Palmer: there's external criticism about his lack of connection to the England team. Do you think such criticism is too harsh? Have you discussed this with him? Is he willing to play for England?

He is willing to play for England, but only if he is fully recovered physically. As long as he is in top condition, he can enjoy the game. Both the club and the national team need him healthy.

Regarding the Manchester City situation, do players discuss this internally?

They chat about it a bit, mostly as casual conversation among friends, as we don't have inside information. Our own situation won't change because of it. I believe everyone should focus on themselves. Of course, we will follow future developments. Before a legal conclusion is reached, people hope things get resolved quickly, so patience is very important.

There's a lot of talk outside about potential points deductions. Is the message you're conveying to the players to surpass opponents through their own efforts, rather than hoping for opponents to lose points?

Exactly, absolutely. We only focus on what we can control. The outcome will be known when the time is right. This matter is not decided by us, by commentators, or by anyone else. We can only respect the panel's criteria and ruling.

Let's talk about Caicedo. How important is his return? Did his absence significantly impact the team's start to the season?

Any team would be affected by the absence of a player with his ability and influence. We certainly missed him a lot. Now we are very happy he's back and his physical condition is improving. We didn't want to risk playing him against Brentford. I took a risk with him against Brighton previously, and I admitted afterwards it was a mistake. Now he feels much better.

Estêvão has only played a total of 23 minutes in four Premier League matches this season, with his earliest substitute appearance being in the 81st minute. Is his limited playing time due to his summer injury, or intense competition for places within the squad? What are your considerations?

The season has only just begun, and his injury has improved significantly. He has played more for the Brazilian national team, but the national team environment is different from the Premier League. We understand the intensity of the Premier League and know that Estêvão can play a key role in certain matches. His opportunity will come, and he will get more playing time later on.

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