Legend Terry Critical of Xabi Alonso's Chelsea

Chelsea kicked off the season with high ambitions under new manager Xabi Alonso, but after the first five Premier League rounds, the team sits 10th with 7 points and has already conceded 12 goals – more than any other side in the league. The 'Blues' are winless in their last three championship matches, and the heavy 0-3 defeat to Brentford further highlighted their defensive frailties. Chelsea is yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this new season.

Against this backdrop, club legend John Terry issued specific criticism regarding the team's defending from set pieces. The former captain admitted he favors man-marking and dislikes Alonso's zonal marking system. “I'm a bit old school. I like man-for-man marking. I don't like this zonal marking, nor the high line. I think in the second half, Brentford realized we were vulnerable at the far post. Nobody knows who they should be marking once the ball goes over the players at the near post,” Terry stated.

Terry also specifically addressed the lack of individual accountability in such situations. “I know practically all teams use zonal defense, but the players aren't taking any responsibility. In my opinion, they should,” said the legendary defender, who believes this is one of the aspects Alonso needs to change to stabilize Chelsea's defense.