In west London, Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford has sharpened scrutiny of Xabi Alonso’s early-season defensive work, with former captain John Terry calling for a rethink of the club’s set-piece marking.
Terry, one of Chelsea’s most decorated former players, focused on the team’s zonal approach during dead-ball situations after the fifth-round Premier League loss. He argued that the system leaves too much uncertainty over responsibility when deliveries clear the first line of defenders.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former centre-back said he remains committed to man-to-man marking rather than a zonal structure or a higher defensive line.
“I am a little old-school,” Terry said. “I prefer man-to-man marking. I do not like zonal marking at all, or the higher line.”
Brentford exposed Chelsea after the interval
Terry believed Brentford identified Chelsea’s weakness during the second half and took advantage of the spaces available around the penalty area. In his view, the problem becomes especially clear when a cross travels beyond players positioned at the near post.
“Brentford came out for the second half and realised we were vulnerable,” he said. “When the ball goes over the players at the near post, nobody knows who is supposed to be marking whom.”
While acknowledging that zonal marking has become widespread across the game, Terry said it can reduce the sense of individual duty among defenders. He wants Chelsea’s players to take direct ownership of opponents in crucial moments.
“Almost every team uses zonal marking, but the players do not take responsibility,” Terry said. “For me, they have to take it.”
A difficult opening for Alonso’s Chelsea
The Brentford setback followed an opening stretch in which Chelsea’s defensive numbers have already caused concern, including a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal in the third round.
Terry described the current standard as unacceptable from Chelsea’s perspective and said the side must make rapid improvements.
“It is not good enough,” he said. “When you look at the statistics and the numbers, it is genuinely unacceptable from our point of view. It is something we have to improve. It is a difficult period for us and we are certainly suffering.”
His criticism carries particular weight at Stamford Bridge. Terry spent almost his entire professional career with Chelsea, captaining the club through five English league titles and a Champions League triumph, among other major honours.
