Joe Cole claims ‘furious’ Xabi Alonso sent Chelsea board a clear message

Chelsea legend Joe Cole believes Xabi Alonso sent a strong message to the club’s board during the Blues’ 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday. As reported by Football365, Alonso introduced 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli with Chelsea trailing 2-0, despite Romeo Lavia remaining on the bench.

Cole argued the decision highlighted Chelsea’s lack of midfield options following the summer departures of Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos. “Xabi Alonso is sending a message to the board,” Cole said, adding that the Chelsea boss appeared “furious” at full-time. Alonso admitted Chelsea lacked the consistency required to compete for 90 minutes.