Why Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thinks Xabi Alonso could struggle as Chelsea manager

Xabi Alonso just screams Chelsea manager 😍

Alonso is first choice as things stand, with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager out of work since January. Talks for Alonso have been positive but he is not the only one on Chelsea’s radar.

Concerns over Alonso waiting for the Liverpool job remain alive, but the Reds are not planning to sack Arne Slot this summer. However, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thinks Alonso could struggle in West London.

BlueCo need to change for Xabi Alonso to thrive at Chelsea

Speaking to Sky Sports on Wednesday, former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink gave his take on Alonso’s potential arrival at his old club. He believes Alonso is a good manager, but has identified a problem.

Hasselbaink believes that Alonso, or any manager coming in at Chelsea, needs to be “given the keys” to manage the club as he pleases. Something which Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca struggled with.

Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino said he only actually made two signings of his own at Chelsea, in defender Axel Disasi and England star Cole Palmer. Hasselbaink was asked if he thinks BlueCo will take a step back.

“That’s a question for them, but I think that’s the only way it will work. Players need to know the manager is in charge for football decisions and the moment they know that, they will run harder, they do their best.

“So if you’re going to choose Alonso, give him the keys and trust the process. Trust the process and let him lead. I don’t think he did badly at Real Madrid. He was still within touching distance of Barcelona.”

Which other managers are on Chelsea’s radar this summer?

It will come as no surprise that Andoni Iraola is the next on Chelsea’s list. The Bournemouth manager is leaving the Vitality this summer and has been consistently linked with the Blues since Liam Rosenior’s exit.

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Then, Fulham manager Marco Silva is also being considered. But the Portuguese gaffer has interest from other clubs, such as Nottingham Forest and a reunion with Evangelos Marinakis. Benfica are also keen.

Beyond the top three, Cesc Fabregas has been considered but he is expected to remain at Como. Filipe Luis is another, having left Flamengo earlier this year and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is also a target.