Marcos Alonso has hit out at former Coach and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard by insisting Chelsea “took a leap tactically” when Thomas Tuchel replaced him as manager at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard was appointed Chelsea manager on 4 July 2019, on a three-year contract, making him the first English manager to lead the side in over two decades. The Chelsea legend was sacked in January 2021 over a run of poor performances and breakdowns in the locker room.
The German tactician was appointed as Lampard’s replacement and he guided the Stamford Bridge club to their second champions league and first FIFA club world cup trophy.
Alonso was one of the key beneficiaries of Tuchel’s appointment, regaining his place in the team after losing his starting spot under Lampard.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Alonso emphasized Tuchel’s role in leading Chelsea to victory last season: “We were a very balanced team. In these close qualifiers, the little details make the difference.
“We were a team in every way. We defended very well, we were an uncomfortable team to play with, we defended all eleven and the small details made the difference.
“At this point in the Champions League everything is very even and it depends on very small details.”
Alonso and Lampard’s relationship hit a rock after he was substituted at half-time in a 3-3 draw away at West Brom. The left-back moved to clarify the issue earlier this year: “I was not happy, of course, with how the game went and everything, but it was not any intention to do that (storm out).
“I spoke to my teammates straight afterward, if someone felt offended or something. But everyone was okay.
“The manager didn’t take it well but I explained everything that happened. He thought I left before the end of the game but I told him no.”
Speaking about Tuchel, Alonso said: ‘Since he arrived, the team took a leap tactically and when it came to defending. We are very happy with it.’
Chelsea will continue the defense of their Champions League crown when they take on Real Madrid in the quarter-finals in April.
Tuchel’s team beat Real in the semifinals last season, and Alonso vows they will ‘give all’ to do so again.