Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso believes Chelsea the number of games Chelsea has played this season coupled with the 120 minutes FA Cup final with Liverpool on Sunday played part in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
Marcos Alonso’s volley in 35 minutes earned a draw for the Blues after James Madison had put the visitors ahead in the 6th minute. Thursday’s goal was the Spaniard 5th Premier League goal of the season.
The Blues played their 62nd game this season and the Spanish international believes fatigue and tiredness was the main reason why Chelsea drew with Leicester City.
What did Alonso say?
The Spanish defender insisted Chelsea deserved to win after dominating the game from start to finish.
Speaking on Chelsea official website he said: “I think we had enough chances, but it was a difficult one to play after a tough defeat in the FA Cup final, after so many games this season and not having much left to play for,’ said Alonso, with Chelsea already guaranteed a top-four finish and Champions League qualification going into the match against Leicester.
“I think the final was definitely in the body. It was just a few days ago and we’ve had so many games and are arriving at the end a bit fatigued, tired mentally, and we could just get one point this time.
“I don’t know how many games we’ve played, but I think we must have played more games than any team in the world this season, in a lot of competitions, and we are arriving at the end now so it’s getting tough. We were a bit tired physically and mentally.
“It was a tough one to play but I think we fought until the end. They were close at the back defending and it wasn’t easy to find space, but we did our best. Still, I think we dominated, we controlled the game, we had the chances, we just needed a few more chances and the second goal.’
Alonso added: “Reece is a great player and I am grateful for the assist. When they put the ball to the left I always try to be there, I arrived at the last moment and put it at the near post. It was a perfect ball from Reece and hopefully, there are more to come in the next game or the next season.
“I am happy to score but disappointed not to get the three points. But it is what it is, we take the point, we move on, there is one more to go, and then we will rest a bit.
“We always go out to play and get the win and we will do that again in the last game of the season to leave a good taste at the end. We will try to play a good game and celebrate here with the fans before we go for the summer.”
Chelsea will hope to finish the season with a win when they face Watford on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel also praised Hakim Ziyech’s performance against Leicester City.
He said: “He had some unlucky decisions against him in the last few weeks. He always trained well and gave a good impact with energy in training and when he came on as a sub.”
“It was necessary he gets the feeling from the start again. He tried everything and was very active.”
