Xabi Alonso has brushed aside concerns over Chelsea's modest share of possession so far this season, though the manager conceded he is open to reshaping his side's approach as they prepare to host Hull City.
Despite spending relatively little time on the ball in the early rounds of the Premier League campaign, Chelsea have made the most of their opportunities, striking eight goals from 48 attempts on goal. For Alonso, that efficiency matters more than raw possession statistics, though he acknowledged that greater control of matches would benefit his team in the long run.
"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 said on Friday, ahead of the fixture against Hull. He added that while holding the ball can offer a side more control, a team can also feel in command of a match even without dominating possession, particularly against strong opposition in a demanding competition.
Saturday's clash brings an unusual dynamic, with Hull also known for operating with limited possession. That could mean Chelsea are forced into a different rhythm than in recent weeks, potentially seeing more of the ball than they have grown accustomed to under Alonso. The Spanish coach admitted this shift may require some tactical recalibration, pointing to absences such as Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson as factors that have so far limited his ability to fine-tune Chelsea's style.
"I like to have the mindset to adapt, to compete," Alonso said. "We have a clear idea that it's going to be hard each game and the context of each game is different. We have scored so well in all the games. We will have to change, for sure, our approach of the game."
The former Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen boss stressed that Chelsea remain a work in progress, still establishing their identity as a squad under his guidance. He suggested that patience will be required as the team continues to evolve, especially once key players return from injury and settle into the system.
"But knowing that we are in the process of many things, I think that we are still in the early days to know what this team, for sure, is going to be," he explained. "I think that we will develop many things. We will develop when important players are joining and they are able to play."
Alonso struck a note of cautious optimism regarding his side's overall performances, noting there is a sense within the squad that they are competing at a solid level, even if there remains room for improvement in certain areas. He was careful, however, not to understate the challenge posed by Hull, insisting his players will approach the match with full focus and respect for their opponents.
"We are having this feeling that we are competing well, but there are some things that we can do better, for sure," Alonso said. "Tomorrow we are prepared, we are ready. There is not going to be complacency from us. We have full respect for them and we know that it will be hard to beat them. If we do things well, if we complete and play at our level, I think we will have a good chance."
With Chelsea looking to maintain their attacking sharpness while adjusting to a potentially more possession-heavy contest, Alonso's comments underline his belief that flexibility, rather than rigid adherence to one style, will be central to his side's continued progress this season.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.