Defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final will sting for Chelsea, but there is a reason to smile as things continue to progress on the managerial front.
While a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final brought a trophy-less end to Chelsea’s turbulent season, Stamford Bridge is already looking forward with renewed optimism.
Chelsea’s tactical setup matched Manchester City stride for stride for long periods at Wembley. The defensive resilience shown by Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, alongside Moises Caicedo’s control in midfield, provides a high-ceiling foundation that Xabi Alonso can easily mold into his system.
Speaking of Alonso, the Blues hope to formalise a deal as early as next week with Xabi Alonso, which gives the Spaniard a full pre-season to get the Blues in order ahead of next season.
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Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea secure agreement in principle with Xabi Alonso
Fabrice Hawkins via RMC Sport is reporting that Chelsea have chosen Xabi Alonso to write a new page in their project, with an agreement in principle for a long-term contract.
David Ornstein has separately reported that it will be a four-year deal for Alonso.
There is also an intention to give him more room for manoeuvre, as Alonso will have an active role in the summer transfer window.
There were a number of questionable calls from VAR and Darren England🤔
Chelsea penalty incident during FA Cup final against Man City
Via – ITV Live Coverage
Xabi Alonso’s first issue to tackle at Chelsea
On the grass, his first task is healing a squad fatigued by intense managerial turnover. He needs to quickly implement his identity, providing structural stability to a young, chaotic group that showed immense, yet unpolished, potential during their narrow FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
And, there may be a few players to weed out this summer. Enzo Fernandez has flirted with an exit, whilst the likes of Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho have struggled to have much of an influence this season, so a review of the players at the club is needed.
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