Alonso ‘very happy’ with improving fitness of Chelsea star after pre-season win | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso admitted he was “very happy” to see Romeo Lavia complete 90 minutes in a pre-season win over AC Milan.

The Blues enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Italian side. Lavia, who has been plagued with injuries since moving to Stamford Bridge, completed the full 90 minutes for the first time in the Chelsea shirt.

The midfielder was sidelined as recently as last week with a hamstring injury. However, the 22-year-old was finally able to play a full match for the first time in more than three years.

“I’m very happy for him,” Alonso answered on Lavia in an interview with Chelsea after the game. “Because he has had a mental block. He was tired but I said let him play, let him enjoy the 90 minutes.

“When he finished he was exhausted. So I think he’s really happy.”

The Spanish coach continued: “That was the idea, to arrive to this last weekend, having this game today and tomorrow another one, that some players could make 90 minutes.

“Until now we wanted a logical progression in the loads. We had a plan and we have stuck to that.”

It is a short turnaround for the Blues who will be back in action against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim tomorrow.

Alonso explained: “It is what it is. The idea for tomorrow was already done yesterday.

“Many young players will have the chance to play tomorrow. Because playing two games in two days is quite intense, we need them for tomorrow.

“We have improved and learned a lot in these two weeks. Not just on the football side, also on the personal side to get to know the players, spending time together abroad.

“So it’s been good. Tomorrow is the last game and then we’ll fly back to London.”