Marcos Alonso scored 'for the fans' after returning to the line-up for the first time since falling out with Frank Lampard
Alonso hit a perfect volley to help Chelsea beat Burnley on Sunday
You have to go all the way back to September 2020 to find the last time Marcos Alonso featured for Chelsea.
The Blues were having a nightmare against West Brom in the Premier League and found themselves 3-0 down at half time.
Alonso was having one of his worst games in a Chelsea shirt and was rightfully taken off at half time. According to the reports at the time, Frank Lampard gave the Spaniard a dressing-down at half-time with some even describing Lampard as ‘furious’.
Alonso then went to watch the rest of the second half from the team bus.
Reports of player tensions and relationship breakdowns between Lampard and a number of his players surfaced since, and it is clear that Alonso was one of them.
However, he seems to have been given a second chance at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, who is determined to give every single player in his squad a clean slate and a chance to impress him and nail down a regular spot.
Alonso would have almost certainly left Chelsea this January if Lampard was still in charge, but instead he was starting and scoring in Tuchel’s first victory as Chelsea boss against Burnley on Sunday.
It was a fantastic finish, and typically Alonso to pipe up with a strikers finish in the penalty area as we know he can.
His interview after the match was diplomatic and smart, but also somewhat telling.
“I have more freedom to attack because we are better covered for defending but it’s not about the system,” Alonso said when explaining his left wing-back role.
“When we play more organised, all together, knowing what to do and where to be on the pitch then this team has great potential to achieve big things.”
‘More organised’ and ‘all together’ feels like a bit of a dig, but that’s speculation. Nobody truly knows what went on that in that game late in September and since then, apart from those inside and close to the situation.
“It was good to help the team with a goal but I’m just delighted for the three points and very happy for the team,” Alonso continued.
“It’s been a while since I played but I’ve been working hard and I’m just happy that I was ready for today.
“A lot of things have been said out there but I like to work, be quiet and talk on the pitch so that was for the fans. It’s good to get the reward and hopefully there will be more to come.”
One things for sure, Alonso clutching his badge and saying that his goal was ‘for the fans’ will certainly go a little way to repair some relations with Chelsea supporters.
I guess as long as Chelsea keep winning, there will be no real complaints.