Alonso keen for Chelsea to manage emotions
Xabi Alonso has urged his Chelsea players to stay calm when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend, and to not let the London derby occasion affect them negatively.
After a shaky run of form before the international break, Chelsea has steadied the ship since returning to action earlier this month, winning both of its games.
Chelsea sits fourth on the Premier League table and is looking to win three consecutive top-flight games for the first time since a run of four in January and February.
Recent form against Spurs suggests that will be possible, as the Blues have won each of their past six league games against the north London side, and Alonso is looking forward to his first taste of the rivalry.
"Every derby is special– you feel the energy and excitement from the stands," he said.
"We need to use that energy on the pitch because we need to connect well. We need to have good emotional control as well because there is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides.
"Playing football with heart is what we want.
"I knew about [the six-match winning streak], but it is another game. We need to prove again that we can continue that run, and knowing it is a special game, so we need to play with heart, head and intelligence."
Last time out against Everton, Chelsea kept its first Premier League clean sheet in 23 games, but has not recorded back-to-back shutouts since December last season.
It will be Mike Penders starting in goal against Spurs, with Emiliano Martinez sidelined through injury after being taken off the field on a stretcher in Chelsea's most recent match.
"He is ready," Alonso said when asked about Penders. "He has been training well, played a couple of cup games where he has showed he has a good level.
"In a few minutes against Everton, he showed his personality and qualities. That's why we have a squad for these situations, and we are fully convinced Mike can play very well.
"We wanted to have the best possible options, so we moved for Emi [in the summer transfer window]. Mike is a keeper for now and for the future, learning with an experienced keeper like Emi. We are happy with Mike; he is prepared."
