{"id":17078,"date":"2026-07-14T01:03:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T01:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17078"},"modified":"2026-07-14T01:03:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T01:03:55","slug":"alonso-optimistic-he-can-thrive-at-chelsea-and-avoid-coaching-carousel-chelsea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17078","title":{"rendered":"Alonso \u2018optimistic\u2019 he can thrive at Chelsea and avoid coaching carousel | Chelsea"},"content":{"rendered":"


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I<\/span>f Xabi Alonso arrived at Chelsea under any illusions about the expectations awaiting him, they were staring out from picture frames hung around Stamford Bridge\u2019s Drake Suite. During his unveiling as Chelsea\u2019s new manager, on either side of the room hung large, gleeful photos of Jos\u00e9 Mourinho and Antonio Conte holding Premier League trophies.<\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s last two managers, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, were not afforded the Drake Suite treatment previously reserved for Mauricio Pochettino and Frank Lampard before them. But the blue carpet was rolled out once again for one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, an integral part of Spain\u2019s victories in two European Championships and one World Cup and a coach who has made a strong start to converting that talent to the touchline.<\/p>\n

Quite how Alonso \u2013 best known in the Premier League for winning trophies with Liverpool \u2013 ended up here remains a compelling question. Did he need convincing to stake his reputation on a club that has now made him their sixth permanent manager in four turbulent years since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover?<\/p>\n

\u201cFor sure we needed to have proper talks,\u201d Alonso said. The fact he has been given the title of \u201cmanager\u201d, rather than the \u201chead coach\u201d designation preferred in Chelsea\u2019s modern structure, suggests concessions were made to secure him. He is working with the sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart <\/strong>and says they are \u201caligned\u201d on decisions and how to achieve their goals.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Reporters speak to Xabi Alonso with photos of Jos\u00e9 Mourinho and Antonio Conte holding Premier League trophies looming. <\/span> Photograph: Adam Davy\/PA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For now. Chelsea may have finished 10th in the Premier League last season and face at least a year without European football. Alonso may have signed a four-year contract. But start slowly and the chaotic circus of years gone by will not be far behind.<\/p>\n

Left behind in the aftermath of last season \u2013 when Maresca stepped down midway through the campaign and the team, on course for Champions League qualification, plummeted down the table \u2013 are a \u00a3106m midfielder who wants to leave, a young star who can\u2019t stay fit and a squad criticised for its youth, lack of leaders and chronic indiscipline.<\/p>\n

The frenzy around Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez\u2019s future reached such intensity that Real Madrid were forced to put out a statement denying interest. Alonso said the Argentinian wants to stay. He has spoken to the player and, though he declined to elaborate, expects Fern\u00e1ndez to return to training after the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Alonso has already had some time on the Cobham pitches with Cole Palmer, whose decline was underlined by his omission from the England World Cup squad, and found a player desperate to stay fit and move past his injury setbacks. \u201cHe\u2019s special and if he\u2019s enjoying it, he\u2019s in a good mood, a good spirit, he can be a key player for us,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Cole Palmer\u2019s decline last season was underlined by his omission from the England World Cup. <\/span> Photograph: Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The owners\u2019 attempt to reinvent how to run a Premier League football club has produced a squad packed with young talent intended to soar in value, but the trade-offs have been stark. When Wesley Fofana was sent off on the final day against Sunderland, it was Chelsea\u2019s 11th red card of the season \u2013 twice as many as any other side and a new, unwanted club record.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want a team with the right mentality, the right hunger, the right standards and on a daily basis build on them,\u201d Alonso said. \u201cI\u2019m not a general, but I\u2019m a good professional, and I know what it takes to be a good professional. Those are the standards we want for the whole building, not just for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reshaping of the squad is already in full flow. Marc Cucurella, one of the few older heads, went to Real Madrid for \u00a352m. Andrey Santos has joined Manchester United for \u00a350m. Tyrique George signed for Everton for \u00a318m. Funds have been generated. Less than a year after arriving from Manchester United for \u00a350m, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave. He has been absent from training while the club seeks a buyer.<\/p>\n

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