Alonso’s back three revives Blues as set‑piece coach shines

Xabi Alonso deployed a back three for the first time at Chelsea, the Blues, and they convincingly beat AC Milan 3-0. The match, reported by BOBBY MANZI, FOOTBALL REPORTER, was published at 15:28 BST on 8 August 2026 and updated at 15:41 BST.

The defensive display was a stark contrast to Chelsea’s leaky pre‑season performances, as the side kept its first clean sheet since Alonso took charge. This marked a clear improvement in the back line under the new system.

Chelsea dominated the game, making only two changes before the 80th minute, while AC Milan made wholesale substitutions at half‑time. The consistency in personnel helped the Blues control the tempo throughout.

Alonso’s back three mirrored the structure he used successfully at Bayer Leverkusen. Summer signing Marco Palestra operated as left wing‑back and Pedro Neto on the opposite flank, both behaving more like wingers in possession.

In attack, Neto surged beyond Palmer, who started on the right of Danny Welbeck, creating a penetrating threat. The front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Danny Welbeck rotated fluidly, often forming a 3‑4‑2‑1 with Welbeck leading the line.

A link‑up between Pedro and Neto produced Chelsea’s second goal shortly after the break, with Neto delivering a dinked cross from the right that Pedro met in the box.

New set‑piece coach Austin MacPhee arrived after Chelsea paid a release clause just shy of £1 million to free him from Aston Villa. The club described the fee as minuscule compared with player spending but vital for the backroom staff.

Last season Chelsea had a negative set‑piece goal difference, conceding 17 and scoring 14. MacPhee’s influence was evident as Chelsea scored twice from corners against AC Milan – Moises Caicedo’s header from Pedro’s cross and Romeo Lavia’s cross to Caicedo, who finished with the outside of his boot.

With Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto and Morgan Rogers due back next week, Alonso can look forward to a deeper squad. As more quality is added, the back three appears an appealing option to open the Premier League campaign against Fulham.