Article Author:
Reuters
Defender Marcos Alonso was not included in the lineup for the Premier League season opener against Everton because he wants to leave the club, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Saturday.
"He asked to leave, so we agreed to his wishes," said his side, who beat Everton 1-0 in their first win at Goodison Park since 2017.
It would have been pointless to have him on the pitch, Tuchel told reporters afterwards. ''
Alonso, 31, said he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2016 and played a key role in the team throughout the season.
Recently he has been linked to Barcelona by British media.
Despite Saturday's win, Tuchel said his team's defense did not match Everton's.
"His three guys in the back three were all in their 30s and overall struggled a bit towards the end of the game," he said.
"We need to improve our physical level and we are working on it."
Everton defender Ben Godfrey said Kai Havertz early in the game. was hospitalized after being challenged by
"Looks like a minor broken leg. We're evaluating it. Jerry (Mina) has injured his ankle and could be out for a while," said Everton. Director Frank Lampard said.
"When it rains, it pours." (Reported by Tommy Lund of his in Gdansk)
