Soccer analysis: The key parts of Xabi Alonso’s appointment

After the disappointment of the FA Cup final defeat to Man City, there was at least something for Chelsea fans to smile about. 

Less than 24 hours later, it was announced that Spaniard Xabi Alonso would be the club’s next manager. 

Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal reviews this appointment and looks ahead to what might be in store for Chelsea fans with Alonso at the helm.

A change in stance from owners as Alonso is named “Manager”

Ever since the BlueCo takeover in the summer of 2022, Chelsea have had seven different head coaches on the touchline. These include Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Enzo Maresca and most recently Liam Rosenior.

These appointments have been under the “head coach” model, meaning they have had limited influence over transfers and squad management, with recruitment largely handled by the owners and sporting directors. 

As a result, several coaches have either resigned or been dismissed, with frustrations over lack of backing in transfer windows.

Following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, the club stated: “We will undertake a period of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.” 

They appear to have done exactly that by appointing Xabi Alonso as the club’s manager on a four-year deal.

It now appears Alonso will have greater influence and backing from the BlueCo ownership, with reports suggesting he will play a more active role in transfers, player departures and overall squad planning, something that could prove crucial for Chelsea moving forward.

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The club may be starting to move forward

There is still an element of risk in appointing Xabi Alonso due to his relative lack of managerial experience compared to other candidates linked with the role. 

However, it does feel like a step in the right direction for the club.

Alonso enjoyed significant success as a player, and as a manager he guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign. 

For a long time, Chelsea fans have questioned the ownership model and protested against what they see as a focus on profit over footballing stability.

This has been reflected in their transfer strategy in recent years, with the club targeting young, inexperienced players with the intention of developing and potentially selling them later. 

As a result, the squad has often lacked experience and leadership.

This appointment does signal change, with reports suggesting Alonso will have influence both on and off the pitch, as well as input into adding more experienced players to the squad. 

This makes the upcoming summer transfer window crucial in understanding how serious the ownership is about long term progress.

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What style of football will Alonso bring?

Beyond his influence off the pitch, the most important aspect of Alonso’s appointment is how Chelsea will play under him.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso found success using a 3-4-3 system with creative inside forwards and attacking wing backs who provided width and support for the striker. 

This system could suit Chelsea, particularly players like Cole Palmer, who could play a similar role to Florian Wirtz under Alonso.

However, implementing this will require backing in the transfer market, particularly for experienced central defenders to support Levi Colwill, as well as another creative attacking option such as Morgan Rogers or Kenan Yildiz of Juventus.

At Real Madrid, he adapted to a back four system to suit his squad. His record there was strong, winning 24 of his first 34 games, although it was always a challenging environment given the demands and personalities within the squad.

What will be key is whether Chelsea players respond well to his methods and show the right attitude. This has been an issue under previous managers.

Alonso’s appointment has generated excitement among Chelsea fans, who see him as a potential figure to restore the club’s identity, provided he is given time and support.

However, as with previous appointments, that remains a significant question.

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