Chelsea fans puzzled by one Xabi Alonso lineup decision
Chelsea fans are questioning manager Xabi Alonso's decision to exclude goalkeeper Mike Penders from the squad for a friendly match against Johor Darul Ta'zim. The exclusion is notable as the club rotates its roster during the preseason.
Why it matters
Preseason squad management provides insight into a manager's tactical preferences and the hierarchy of players ahead of the competitive season.
Chelsea have mysteriously left out their second choice goalkeeper from their second string team playing today.
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Chelsea are about to play Johor Darul Ta'zim in a friendly in Malaysia. There's nothing strange about that – but what is unusual is that it's the second friendly in 24 hours for the Blues.
That was always what was planned, and as expected Xabi Alonso has fully rotated his team. There are enough players in the travelling party to make up two XIs, and the new manager wants to see them all in action.
But even with a fully changed team, there is one rather odd decision we want to get to the bottom of.
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