Ex-Chelsea player calls out Xabi Alonso over controversial post-match comment

Asmir Begovic criticised Xabi Alonso for downplaying the Carabao Cup after Chelsea's penalty loss to Liverpool, saying the comments won't sit well with fans.

Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on penalties by Liverpool in the fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday, with Wesley Fofana missing the crucial spot-kick. The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo.

After the defeat, Alonso told reporters the Carabao Cup was "probably the least important competition" for Chelsea this season, despite the club's absence from European football. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic disagreed with the assessment, telling talkSPORT that Alonso's comments were ill-advised. "To say that post-match won't sit well with the Chelsea fans," Begovic said. "I think he's got to be a little bit careful with that."

Begovic noted the remarks could add pressure ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Chelsea now have only the Premier League and FA Cup left to compete for this season.