Chelsea boss, Xabi Alonso, has given reasons for his decision to play new goalkeeper Emi Martinez in their 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday.
The World Cup winning goalkeeper was in goal for Chelsea despite the Argentine joining the club just hours before the game against Aston Villa.
The Spanish manager said he never had any concerns about throwing Martinez straight in.
The former Aston Villa goalkeeper conceded three goals in his first game for the Blues who managed to win 4-3 with goals from Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, João Pedro and Cole Palmer.
Speaking after the match, Alonso was asked if he had concerns using the new goalkeeper immediately, he said, “Well, now with Emi, [he’s a] World Cup winner, 34 years old, experience all around.
“I spoke with him yesterday, we talked about the game, about our team and he felt ready so I don’t have to tell him many things to perform and even that for sure a keeper wants to have a clean sheet but I am happy with his first impact.
“He has been in the building for 48 hours so now we will have the whole week to prepare for the next one and day by day we will feel his presence because he has this charisma, this aura to influence and to have a very positive connection with the rest of the team.”
Chelsea will look to continue their winning start when they return to action in what promises to be an explosive London derby away to Arsenal in a week’s time.
EPL: Why I played goalkeeper Emi Martinez in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton – Alonso