Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge looking for a third consecutive Premier League victory. The fixture also begins a demanding week for Alonso’s side, who face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup before welcoming Manchester United.
Alonso believes his players will need to deliver across every area of the game rather than rely on their recent record against their London rivals. Chelsea have lost only once in their previous 41 meetings with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, but the manager is not treating that history as an advantage.
“We need to have a very complete game,” he said. “Offensively, defensively, mentality-wise going through difficult moments, as there will be moments for everything.
“We need to prove again we can continue our run, knowing it’s a special game. We need to play with our head, heart, with intelligence but with passionate energy. We will need many things tomorrow.”
Alonso expects a difficult contest despite Tottenham’s mixed results, pointing to the quality of their performances rather than judging them solely by outcomes.
“I’ve seen a good team even in bad results, so we’re expecting a tough game against good opposition who do many good things,” he said.
Chelsea’s preparations have also been shaped by Martinez’s absence. The Argentina international suffered a fractured jaw during last weekend’s 2-0 win at Everton and underwent surgery, leaving Penders in line for his first Premier League start.
The 21-year-old came on midway through the second half at Everton, becoming Chelsea’s youngest goalkeeper to appear in the competition. Alonso said Penders had already demonstrated his ability in cup matches and had impressed in training.
“He is ready,” the manager said. “He has been training well and played a couple of cup games where he showed he has a good level. Even the other day when he came on against Everton, he showed in a few minutes his personality and qualities.”
Alonso expects Martinez to be unavailable for a few weeks but believes the squad has the depth to cope with the disruption.
“This is why we have a squad, to be ready for these kinds of situations, and we are fully convinced that Mike can play very well. He is a goalkeeper for now and for the future. We are looking to the next games and are happy with Mike. He is prepared.”
Martinez has also helped Penders settle into the club since his arrival from Strasbourg, offering guidance to the younger goalkeeper and others in the defensive unit.
Alonso described that relationship as something that has developed naturally, praising Martinez’s willingness to communicate and build connections with his team-mates.
The Chelsea manager also sees similarities between Penders and former Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whom he worked with in Spain. He highlighted their stature, left-footedness and command of aerial situations, adding that Courtois had recognised the resemblance himself.
“We need to help him, support him, but for sure he is a goalkeeper for the present and the future,” Alonso said.
With three major fixtures approaching, Alonso wants Chelsea to start by meeting the demands of the derby rather than looking too far ahead.
“It was a matter of time until we had big games and this week we have three massive games against top clubs,” he said. “This happens in the Premier League; this is not news. So we take it step by step, and we start tomorrow.”