Xabi Alonso has been tasked with making an immediate transformation to the Chelsea first-team squad upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has been appointed as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract, marking a significant shift in the club’s direction.
Alonso will take over from Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed after just 106 days in charge. This comes after a disappointing season for Chelsea, which saw them finish in tenth place in the Premier League and miss out on all European competitions. With this in mind, Alonso is expected to make key changes both in terms of signings and departures as he looks to restore the club to its former glory.
One of the most notable players potentially leaving the club is Enzo Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to move on. Chelsea have reportedly placed a £120 million price tag on the Argentine midfielder, indicating their reluctance to let him go. In addition to Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer have also been linked with moves away from the club.
Andy Townsend, a former Chelsea player, has advised Alonso to bring in a new goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez, currently the club’s number one, could be replaced following a mixed season in west London.
‘I think Chelsea need a goalkeeper,’ Townsend said. ‘Robert Sanchez has produced one or two better performances recently, but I just feel he’s just one of those goalkeepers that will let you down in a big moment. He’s got a mistake in him, there’s a mistake never too far away.’
He continued:
‘Those sort of goalkeepers, I’m afraid, with modern day football, the way that goalies are asked to play, I think you’ve got to sort it out if your goalkeeper gives you the jitters. And he does that, I’m afraid.’
Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have also echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Alonso should look to replace Sanchez when he arrives at Chelsea.
‘I think the goalkeeper is a problem there at Chelsea, he’s a liability,’ Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. ‘He can’t play the way they will want to play.’
Scholes added:
‘With the way Chelsea will play, I agree. He can’t do it. I’m pretty sure Xabi Alonso will want to play that way, to build out from the back, so he will need a new goalkeeper then.’
Alonso’s appointment marks his third senior managerial role, following a challenging stint at Real Madrid and a successful period at Bayer Leverkusen. Upon his appointment, he expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea.
‘Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,’ Alonso said. ‘From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.’
He continued:
‘There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.’
Alonso spent five years in the Premier League as a player, helping Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005. His experience in the league is expected to be a valuable asset as he takes on this new challenge.
