Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso rejects Granit Xhaka suggestion before reunion at Sunderland

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed claims by Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka that the midfielder proposed the tactical switch to a back three during their title-winning campaign at Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking ahead of Chelsea's upcoming match against Sunderland, Alonso acknowledged that while the pair conversed frequently and Xhaka was vital to Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga season in 2024, the assertion that Xhaka originated the system change is not accurate.

Alonso also praised Romeo Lavia, noting the 22-year-old midfielder's improved fitness and consistency alongside Moises Caicedo. Lavia recently completed consecutive 90-minute appearances against Liverpool and Manchester United and is expected to start on Sunday.