Ahead of the Premier League match against Tottenham at home, Xabi Alonso discussed Maxence Lacroix's performance since joining and how the team leverages the passion and energy from the home crowd.
Xabi Alonso believes Maxence Lacroix's leadership and competitive spirit have helped the center-back quickly become an important member of Chelsea. Maxence Lacroix participated in the World Cup with France this summer, reaching the final, and then joined Chelsea from fellow London club Crystal Palace. He adapted to his new environment almost immediately, becoming a key player in Xabi Alonso's plans. So far this season, he has played in almost all of Chelsea's league matches, missing only one. Tottenham is about to visit Stamford Bridge, and this London derby always ignites passion in the SW6 area of London where Chelsea is located. Before the match, Xabi Alonso spoke about Maxence Lacroix's excellent performance since joining.
Xabi Alonso said: "Maxence Lacroix has many strengths, two of which stand out. First, he was ready. He has Premier League experience and is very competitive; we knew he could help the team immediately. Second, his personality is very distinct. He has strong leadership qualities. He likes to communicate, likes to command loudly, and is very active during matches. This presence is very important. He is developing better chemistry with his teammates and performing better and better. He is playing well now, whether recently partnered with Colwill or Wesley Fofana, he has performed very well. We are very pleased with him, and he feels good himself."
Regarding this London derby, Xabi Alonso expects Chelsea fans to create a passionate atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. He believes that such a match can showcase the best of the Premier League. Few matches excite Stamford Bridge as much as a visit from Tottenham. Every season when the Premier League fixtures are announced, this is one of the first matches Chelsea fans look for. This time is no exception. Xabi Alonso's team previously defeated AFC Bournemouth and Everton consecutively and will enter this match in good form. Chelsea will also be looking to achieve a club record of seven consecutive home league wins against Tottenham. This will be Xabi Alonso's first experience of the derby atmosphere against Tottenham at home as Chelsea's manager. However, he knows what to expect and hopes the energy from the fans will help the players win the match.
Speaking about his expectations for the atmosphere, Xabi Alonso said: "We expect a great atmosphere, passionate and full of energy. In a derby, that passion will permeate the entire stadium. We need to harness this atmosphere because in such matches, that excitement is exactly what you need. You don't need extra motivation; the history of the derby, coupled with it being an important match itself, provides the drive naturally.
When the team is playing well, we need to connect with the stands. There will also be difficult moments in the match, but we must stick together and play our football. For me, playing our football on the pitch is crucial. The players will give their best, and when the fans are also invested in the match, experiencing every moment with the game, that is the charm of the Premier League. I feel that the fans are participating in the match, not just sitting there watching.
Their influence is huge. When I say that the Premier League sometimes generates a natural energy, it's because at some point fans feel: 'Yes, I like the game I'm watching.' This provides a huge boost to the team."
However, Xabi Alonso also knows that in such highly emotional matches, the players on the pitch must remain calm and find a balance between passion and maturity. He admits that managing such situations in the Premier League is always a mental challenge, especially in a derby match like this.
Xabi Alonso said: "It's very difficult. That's why I've mentioned several times that it's hard to completely dominate and control a game from start to finish without any trouble in the Premier League, as you might in other leagues, unless you are truly a top team. So, even if you are 2-0 up, you cannot relax. Because you know that once the opponent scores one back, their momentum will build, and you need to stabilize the situation. You can mentally prepare beforehand, but in those moments, you still need to react calmly. I think, even in the first half against Everton, when the score was still 0-0, we had some difficult periods—10 minutes, corners, throw-ins, then more corners, throw-ins. Being able to get through those periods and tell everyone: 'Calm down, guys, we know what to do, we are prepared for this, and the momentum of the game will shift to our side.' For me, that is crucial."
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