Marcos
Alonso has urged Chelsea to reproduce their high level of performances as
they look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The wing-back has been a revelation since Antonio Conte's change of
formation earlier in the season, and has been an integral part of a Chelsea
team that has opened up a healthy advantage at the league's summit.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions but face
a tough trip to Burnley on Nissan Super Sunday, with Alonso urging his
team-mates to replicate recent form as they continue their bid to lift the
Premier League trophy in May.
Speaking to Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves, Alonso said: "We have to do the same
as we have been doing. I think if we keep this focus and concentration and
keep approaching games with this passion then it will be hard to beat us.
"Burnley are a very strong team. When they play at home, they have a very
good record and we know it is going to be a very tough game.
"We will have to approach the game like the important game it is. It could
be a massive three points for us in this moment and we are working hard this
week which we need to put into the game on Sunday."
Alonso collided with Arsenal's Hector Bellerin before scoring his fourth
goal of the season during Chelsea's 3-1 victory over their London rivals
last weekend, with the latter substituted immediately after the incident due
to concussion.
"I spoke to him at half-time and after the game the following day, I texted
to see how he was," Alonso said of the incident. "I think it was an unlucky
challenge, we were both going for the ball. I never meant to hurt him and I
hope he can play very soon.
"I asked him what happened when he fell to the ground and he told me he
couldn't remember so I think it was just unlucky and I hope he gets better
soon."
Originally a left-back, Alonso arrived at Chelsea from Fiorentina in the
summer, following head coach Conte from Italy, and has found himself in a
wing-back role in the starting line-up.
The 26-year-old has been partnered on the other side by Victor Moses, and
has praised his team-mate for adapting to a new position.
"It is something I used to do in Italy," Alonso added. "That was a good help
to play in a different role. It's not easy to adapt because it is different
in the way you have to run, the way you have to defend and attack but I
think the system is working very well and I feel very comfortable there.
"You have to run a lot more because you have to attack like a winger and
defend like a full-back. You have to pick the best time to go up and maybe
have a rest at some point during the game to be the first to defend when the
team is not having full control of the game.
"Some days when I see that he [Moses] is attacking more, I will stay more to
cover and sometimes when I push more, he covers at the back. He is doing an
amazing job, because I think for me, it is easier that I used to play in
this position before but for him it is something new and he is doing a
fantastic job there."
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