Marcos Alonso opens up on clash with Frank Lampard after West Brom nightmare

Marcos Alonso has explained what led to his bust-up with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard after the 3-3 draw with West Brom in September 2020.

Alonso started that game but was hauled off at half-time, with the Blues 3-0 down at the time, and he did not make another matchday squad under Lampard after the boss took exception to his decision to leave the stadium before the final whistle.

Lampard signed Ben Chilwell soon after and quickly froze Alonso out, with the Spaniard not returning to competitive action until Thomas Tuchel arrived in January 2021.

Speaking to Goal about the incident, Alonso said: "I watched the game upstairs and, with five minutes to go, they [West Brom security] told me I cannot be here so I went downstairs to the changing room.

"Then when the referee blew the whistle I went to the coach before the team got back. It was not with any bad intention that I wanted to leave but I had a shower at half-time already, I had a shower upstairs and then I just went.

"I was not happy, of course, with how the game went and everything but it was not any intention to do that. I spoke to my team-mates straight after. If someone felt offended or something, everyone was OK. There was the story out there, but it was nothing like this.

"The manager didn't take it well but I explained everything that happened. He thought I left before the end of the game but I told him no. There was some medical staff in the changing room who can provide the right information [to what happened]. It's gone, of course."

Alonso also confessed that he turned down the chance to leave Chelsea during his exile from the team, insisting he has always wanted to fight for his position at Stamford Bridge.

"I was out for a while but then I was back, I scored and we won the derby [against Tottenham]. It's not over," Alonso said. "I signed a long contract here to stay for a long time. Chelsea is the most important club in my career. I want to give back all the chances they put in me. That's my only target. 

"There will be good moments, there will be bad moments, there will be managers coming in and out. My contract is with Chelsea and I serve the club.

"I have always had interest from other clubs but, to be honest, it was never my intention to leave. I wanted to fight for my position. I know what I can give to the team and until the club tells me something else then that will always be my target.

"I am happy to be here to achieve these kinds of trophies. I am looking forward to Saturday to try to make history and continue making the fans happy and ourselves also."