Chelsea’s underperforming stars challenged to prove worth to Alonso

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane said the players will need to prove to incoming manager Xabi Alonso they can perform consistently as an underwhelming season comes to a close. Confirmation on Sunday of the former Real Madrid boss’ appointment on a four-year deal has brought reason for optimism the club have learned from past mistakes and may be about to emerge from a prolonged period of underachievement.