And Alonso admits his experience of playing in a similar system for Fiorentina has helped him adapt under Conte.
“It was a new thing for me when I went to Italy, and now I think I’m used to it even if I had always played as a full-back in a four-man defence before then,” Alonso told Chelsea’s official website.
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Marcos Alonso has been impressed with Antonio Conte's new system
“It’s going well and I am happy to be there playing, wherever the manager wants me, and hopefully we can keep winning games and keep getting clean sheets.
“We trained on some tactical things and I try to help the team as much as I can in defence, and if I can do some attacking as well it is good for me and the team. It’s about getting the right balance.”
A win against Jose Mourinho’s United today will put Chelsea five points clear of their rivals, but Alonso is expecting a tough challenge.
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Chelsea have won their last two Premier League games
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“It’s always going to be hard to beat a team like Man United,” Alonso added.
“Obviously if you play for Chelsea you have quality players who can win the game maybe easier than if you play for Sunderland, but it’s still going to be a hard game and we will have to show good concentration if we are to get the three points.
“It’s a new challenge and we will have to fight a lot.”