Xabi Alonso told one Chelsea non-negotiable as controversial BlueCo transfer strategy slammed
The next Chelsea manager will have a number of big decisions to make when they take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana for Chelsea(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Jaap Stam has insisted that the next Chelsea manager must give Jorrel Hato a chance. After a rocky start to life in west London, the 20-year-old, whom the Blues signed from Ajax in the summer for £37million, has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders at the club.
In an interview with ComeOn, the Manchester United legend took a dig at BlueCo while explaining why Hato deserves to remain a regular in the Chelsea starting lineup. Stam said: “Jorrel Hato is a very talented player. When I saw him play as a centre-back when Liam Rosenior was there, I was quite impressed.
“I think he even played a big game against Man City, from what I recall. He’s very comfortable on the ball, which is typical for a player from Holland. He needs to be comfortable on the ball and able to dribble into midfield to create an extra man.
“He needs to be quick, which he is, and he’s quite aggressive in his style of play. He can also play as a left-back, where he played for a longer period at Ajax.
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“It’s a shame, but that’s how Chelsea operates, bringing in young players, not always giving them an opportunity, and then maybe selling them on when they do well. It’s a shame for a player like him because he needs to play and improve by playing a lot of games.
“Hopefully, he’ll have a bigger next season and a greater impact. Of course, that depends on the manager who comes in. At Chelsea, when a new manager arrives, they need to perform and be successful immediately.
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“That often means managers pick more experienced, older players, because they think it’s easier to take the next step with them. I don’t always agree with that.”
Hato was rarely given a chance by Enzo Maresca, despite having been identified as somebody who could provide cover across the backline. When Chelsea secured his signature, the former head coach noted his wealth of experience as a key factor behind his arrival.
But the Netherlands international was often overlooked in the opening weeks of the season, with Maresca pointing to the step up in physicality and intensity of the English top-flight. In the final eight weeks of the Italian’s tenure, Hato played just once.
It wasn’t until Liam Rosenior took the reins that the Dutchman finally began to share some of Marc Cucurella’s workload. Since Maresca stepped down, Hato has featured in some capacity in all but one of the Blues’ games in the Premier League.
The youngster has more recently established himself as a regular, starting seven of Chelsea’s last nine matches in the English top-flight. Hato will hope to keep his place in the side once the Blues appoint a permanent successor to Rosenior.
football.london understands that Chelsea have shortlisted Xabi Alonso as one of several potential candidates to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge. The Blues want to have a new manager in the dugout before the end of next month, leaving Hato – and his teammates – enough time to make a good first impression.
