Alonso admits Chelsea player was "exhausted" after 90 minutes

Romeo Lavia completed 90 minutes against AC Milan today, and Xabi Alonso had some positive words about the Belgian afterwards.

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Chelsea’s 3-0 win over AC Milan today was a positive result and a positive performance. Nobody was happier than Romeo Lavia, who completed 90 minutes for the Blues. Many sources are reporting this as the first time he’s done it. It’s not, but the point stands that it’s an important milestone in his recovery.

After the game, new manager Xabi Alonso praised the Belgian.

Lavia praised by Alonso for managing 90 minutes

chelsea fc v ac milan pre season friendly () — JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Moises Caicedo of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring with teammates after scoring the team’s third goal during the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy for him,” Alonso said to Chelsea TV after the game.

“Because he has had a mental block. He was tired but I said let him play, let him enjoy the 90 minutes. When he finished he was exhausted. So I think he’s really happy.”

We’re not quite sure why everyone’s making a big deal about the 90 minutes – Lavia did it two years ago in a friendly against Man City. This is nothing new – what we want to see is him do it in a competitive game, and preferably a few of them in a row.