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Xabi Alonso has officially started as Chelsea manager, inheriting one of the biggest jobs in football.
With the North American spotlight, the former World Cup winner has little time to waste as he sets out to tackle a host of issues on and off the field.
Four years after acquiring Bluco, Chelsea have made a statement appointment at a time when there is little room for error. Less than a year after winning the Club World Cup, the Blues face a campaign without European football, while relations between the club and its supporters remain fragile.
The in-form Alonso arrives after a bruising spell at Real Madrid, with the opportunity to demonstrate his ability to manage a huge club. Alonso will strive to deliver silverware while creating a culture to ensure sustainable success.
Unlike his four immediate predecessors, the Spaniard carries the manager’s title. The added seniority is an indication that he will play a key role in rebuilding an already expensive playing squad.
Club pursuits Granite Jaka A show of their support for the new manager from Sunderland and an indicator that BlueCo are serious about being flexible with their recruitment strategy.
Chelsea have publicly admitted that “self-reflection” will be a process following the sacking of Liam Rosenier. This has led to a private admission looking for more ready-made starters, always keeping a close eye on the world’s best young talent.
Xhaka worked with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen
Mark Cucurella The departure has left a huge void After moving to Real Madrid. Jarrell Hato A big beneficiary of the Spaniard’s move could be if Alonso is convinced that the left-back can be replaced from within.
Incoming full-back Marco Palestra played Most of his minutes last season were on the right side but excelled on both sides While the club are also in talks to sign the left-back Pep Chavarria From Rayo Vallecano.
Its future Enzo Fernandez raises one of the biggest questions. The Argentina international was ruled out for two matches in April after publicly angling for a move away from west London. If Chelsea can recoup the more than £107m they paid Benfica to win the World Cup in 2023, a sale is certainly something they will have to consider.
Does Alonso see her as a major part of his plan? Can the 25-year-old be convinced his long-term future lies at Stamford Bridge?
A player who won’t quit Cole Palmer. The playmaker is seen as one of the few ‘untouchable’ assets internally despite a season that has seen the Englishman hampered by injuries.
Alonso may be relieved that Palmer has been left at home by Thomas Tuchel this summer. The England boss noted “he wasn’t as decisive or influential as he was last season” as he confirmed his decision to leave the 24-year-old out of his World Cup squad.
A clean summer and full pre-season will allow Palmer to return to full fitness. One of Alonso’s top priorities will be to get him back to the level that saw him shine in his first two seasons at Chelsea. The Manchester City academy graduate will certainly have a point to prove following Tuchel’s snub.
A man who equally wants to make a statement, if given the chance, is him Nicholas Jackson. The striker was surplus to requirements for Enzo Maresca during the week last summer. Jackson returned this month after a season-long loan spell at Bayern Munich.
The £56.2m obligation-to-buy clause is unlikely to be triggered given Harry Kane’s form and fitness, but the Senegalese’s brief spell at Bayern has not damaged his credentials.
Joao Pedro He may not be considered an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this summer, but the Brazilian international remains another of Chelsea’s untouchables. With that in mind, will Jackson reunite to support him? Or will Alonso be biased Liam Delap?
The youngster scored just two goals in 41 appearances in his first season after an impressive campaign with Ipswich. with Emmanuel Emegha Arrival from Strasbourg, there will be a requirement to proceed temporarily or permanently.
At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea have long failed to nail down the goalkeeper position. It’s head-scratching for some that the club has prioritized stockpiling wingers as opposed to securing a top-tier No.1.
Robert Sanchez He had his moments in a Chelsea shirt but failed to fully impress Belgian keeper Mike Penders The goalkeeper is set to add to the group this summer, having spent last season on loan at Strasbourg. With Filip Jorgensen gone, Penders and Sanchez could be set to battle for places between the sticks.
The club targeted AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Magnan Before the Serie A club’s claimed figures closed last summer. Alonso must decide if he is happy to settle for existing options or if now is the time to prioritize securing a world-class shot stopper.
Lifting Chelsea from the bottom of the Premier League Fair Play table and fixing the squad’s crippling and chronic disciplinary problems proved too much for Alonso’s predecessors.
The Blues saw red eight times in the Premier League last season – double the number of the next worst offenders. It is imperative that the 44-year-old finally finds a solution to the seemingly deep-rooted challenge facing Chelsea of being off the referee’s book.
Finding a winning formula will go a long way in rebuilding the connection between the club and its loyal supporters. Four seasons of shaky results, questionable recruiting and hiring have eroded confidence. A shot of optimism under Marescar proved to be a false dawn as the Italians turned their heads.
The last time Chelsea won the Premier League title was a season outside Europe. Despite the managerial upswing at fellow big-six clubs, expectations are low that the club will be in the title race this campaign. Patience will be required as Chelsea look to return to the top.
