Alonso credits emotional control as Chelsea avoid red cards after 11 last season

Chelsea have gone without a red card this season after collecting 11 last term, with manager Xabi Alonso attributing the improvement to greater composure and better decisions on the pitch. According to reporting by The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, Alonso made discipline a priority after taking charge in the summer and believes his players are responding to that work.

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The Chelsea manager linked the change to players concentrating on their responsibilities and anticipating how a match might develop. His explanation centred on reducing impulsive reactions: being prepared for different situations, he said, helps players avoid mistakes and unnecessary confrontations. He presented that mental discipline as an essential part of managing a game, including avoiding needless bookings and conceding penalties.

Alonso also pointed to the arrival of more experienced players during the summer as a factor in the improved record. He said their composure can help the team recognise what is happening during a match and respond calmly. In his account, those players can assess the situation while play continues and help teammates maintain their focus when the game becomes more demanding.

Chelsea's 2-0 victory at Everton last weekend provided the latest example in Steinberg's report of the side playing with greater discipline. Alonso nevertheless acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining control in the Premier League, where the atmosphere can encourage physical contests and rapid exchanges of attacks. He cautioned that a two-goal advantage does not remove the need for concentration, stressing how difficult complete dominance can be.

The manager was also careful not to take sole credit for decisions made during games. Although he can prepare players beforehand and offer instructions from the touchline, Alonso said his influence has limits once a match is under way. He placed particular importance on the judgement of experienced footballers who can read events directly from their positions on the pitch.

Separately, Chelsea remain without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after he broke his jaw against Everton. Steinberg reported that Mike Penders will start in his absence. Alonso said he had discussed the young Belgian with Thibaut Courtois during the World Cup, with Courtois also recognising similarities between himself and Penders.