One of the biggest factors that Chelsea need to be taking into account when it comes to hiring their new manager is making sure they can get the best out of Cole Palmer.
Chelsea supporters were made aware of Palmer’s talents during his first season at the club, with the strong relationship with Mauricio Pochettino playing a key role.
Since then though, it has been a slow, downward spiral for Chelsea’s star man. They have won less than 25% of their Premier League games when he has started this season.
QUARTER-FINAL TWO: Enzo Fernandez vs Cole Palmer?
Xabi Alonso will get Cole Palmer back to his best at Chelsea
The form of the England international will likely be at the top of the list for a future manager to sort out, and the name that continues to be floated around as a potential candidate is Xabi Alonso.
Italian media have reported that Alonso is ‘destined’ to become the new Chelsea manager, and his track record of working with players similar to Palmer is very strong.
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso was in charge of Florian Wirtz as he announced himself as one of the most promising players in world football.
FC Barcelona v Real Madrid: Spanish Super Cup
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The German won the Bundesliga player of the season award for two consecutive campaigns before his move to Liverpool, and excelled under Alonso’s management.
Even in the Spaniard’s brief stint at Real Madrid, one of the biggest success stories was the rise of Arda Guler towards the calibre of player he has promised to become for a while now.
What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? 🧐
Chelsea's potential XI under Xabi Alonso
Both feature in similar roles to Palmer, and there is no reason why Alonso could not bring the best out of the Chelsea man at Stamford Bridge.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder is reportedly on a list of three candidates who have realistic prospects of becoming the next manager of Chelsea.
Alonso has so far not walked away from talks with Chelsea, and his prospects of managing another former club are currently low.
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