Xabi Alonso's honeymoon period at Chelsea has hit the buffers, with the club picking up just one point from their last three Premier League outings before the international break, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster's latest podcast examines the recurring problems the new head coach must address as Chelsea prepare to return to action against Bournemouth on Saturday, pointing to long-standing defensive frailties that have followed the club through recent managerial changes.
Sky Sports also highlights the importance of Moises Caicedo returning to full fitness, with the Ecuadorian midfielder viewed as central to stabilising Chelsea through a demanding upcoming schedule.
While Alonso's appointment was seen as a fresh start following a turbulent spell under previous management, the dip in results suggests the Spaniard faces familiar challenges in reshaping a squad that has struggled for consistency. The Bournemouth fixture is framed as an early opportunity for Alonso to arrest the slide and demonstrate progress on the issues that have dogged Chelsea's season so far.