Levi Colwill backs Chelsea to return from break 'flying' after rocky start

Colwill demands Chelsea response after difficult run

Levi Colwill has backed Chelsea to emerge from the international break “flying” after their promising start under Xabi Alonso faded into a run of poor results.

Chelsea won four of their first five matches across all competitions after Alonso took charge, but their momentum has since stalled. They needed a late recovery to draw 2-2 with Hull City before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brentford in their final match before the extended international window.

The result left Chelsea winless in three league matches and exposed defensive weaknesses that have continued to trouble the team. They have conceded 23 Premier League goals from non-penalty set pieces since the start of last season, a joint-high total alongside Bournemouth.

Colwill acknowledged that the opening to the campaign had not met Chelsea’s expectations, but said the break offered an opportunity to make meaningful improvements.

“[There have been] some good bits, some other not so good bits,” Colwill said, as quoted by Chelsea’s website. “Luckily, we’ve got a while now to try and improve.

“Hopefully, we will come out the other side flying, pick up our play, and become a better team.”

Chelsea return to action at home against Bournemouth on October 10, when Colwill and his team-mates will look to turn their encouraging early form into a sustained revival.