{"id":8237,"date":"2026-05-14T09:04:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8237"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:04:39","slug":"xabi-alonso-told-one-chelsea-non-negotiable-as-controversial-blueco-transfer-strategy-slammed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8237","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso told one Chelsea non-negotiable as controversial BlueCo transfer strategy slammed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_01dda3\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The next Chelsea manager will have a number of big decisions to make when they take the reins at Stamford Bridge.<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33805867\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jorrel Hato of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with Wesley Fofana (R) during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Port Vale on April 4, 2026 in London, England\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33805867.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2270456245.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33805867.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_GettyImages-2270456245.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33805867.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_GettyImages-2270456245.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33805867.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2270456245.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana for Chelsea\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana for Chelsea<cite aria-label=\"Image: Photo by Visionhaus\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Photo by Visionhaus\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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 \u00a337million, has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders at the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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: &#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I think he even played a big game against Man City, from what I recall. He&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;He needs to be quick, which he is, and he&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a shame, but that&#8217;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&#8217;s a shame for a player like him because he needs to play and improve by playing a lot of games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Hopefully, he&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article29688868.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;That often means managers pick more experienced, older players, because they think it&#8217;s easier to take the next step with them. I don&#8217;t always agree with that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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&#8217;s tenure, Hato played just once.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33721732\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33721732\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jorrel Hato celebrates\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33721732.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2269804072.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33721732.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2269804072.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33721732.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2269804072.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33721732.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2269804072.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Jorrel Hato celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Port Vale\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Jorrel Hato celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Port Vale<cite aria-label=\"Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Chris Lee &#8211; Chelsea FC)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It wasn&#8217;t until Liam Rosenior took the reins that the Dutchman finally began to share some of Marc Cucurella&#8217;s workload. Since Maresca stepped down, Hato has featured in some capacity in all but one of the Blues&#8217; games in the Premier League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The youngster has more recently established himself as a regular, starting seven of Chelsea&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">football.london<\/strong> 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 \u2013 and his teammates \u2013 enough time to make a good first impression.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The next Chelsea manager will have a number of big decisions to make when they&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8238,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8237"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8237\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}