Xabi Alonso’s first few months at Chelsea have been a rollercoaster, with the highs of a 6-3 cup win over Leeds and an impressive away victory against Everton, alongside defeats to Tottenham, Arsenal and Brentford. The Blues currently sit fifth in the Premier League table with 13 points from their opening eight games.

Although Chelsea are in a respectable position, tricky fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland are on the horizon. The table could look very different by the November international break, with Alonso under pressure to steady the ship after a disappointing week.

Cesar Azpilicueta has added to the pressure on Alonso by insisting that Chelsea must maintain high standards. The club legend has explained where he believes supporters should expect the Blues to finish in the Premier League this season.

Cesar Azpilicueta sets his expectations for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea

ITV Sport’s Mark Pougatch asked Cesar Azpilicueta whether Chelsea fans should demand Champions League qualification this season. Achieving that would almost certainly require a top-five finish in the Premier League.

“For sure,” Azpilicueta responded. “The expectations at Chelsea are always high. We are used to fighting for trophies and it’s true that, at the moment, being out of Europe hurts. But I’m sure everybody at the club, the players, the staff, are working hard to get back into Champions League football.”

Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles, a Champions League and several other trophies during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge. He knows exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level, but Chelsea are now operating in a different era under BlueCo’s ownership.

As things stand, finishing fifth would be enough to secure a place in Europe’s premier competition. However, several teams are chasing Chelsea’s position, including Brentford, Leeds, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

The Blues’ next two matches before the November international break are against Manchester United at home and Sunderland away. Those results will better indicate whether they are on course to secure Champions League qualification or how much pressure will be on Alonso.