Make no mistake. This is not going to be an easy job for Xabi Alonso, who has just been named the new manager of Chelsea.
At Chelsea, there are problems left, right and centre. There are also issues on the pitch and off them.
Clearly, though, there are five places where Alonso has to start, and if he can address them, the Blues could end up having a very successful 2026/27 season under him.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
What are the outstanding issues that the Spaniard must address? The Chelsea Chronicle has listed them!
Cole Palmer’s form
Cole Palmer’s performances have been a real concern this season. During his first two campaigns at Chelsea, Palmer was easily one of the best players in the Premier League. At this moment in time, you would not even put him in the top 10.
Palmer has had injuries, but he is fully fit again yet still struggling. It will be up to Alonso to find the right role for him in the team and get the £40m attacking midfielder playing at his best.
If that happens, Chelsea’s chances of returning to the Champions League increase tenfold.
Goalkeeper dilemma
In defence, Alonso will have to make a decision about the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Robert Sanchez is a terrific shot-stopper but is quite error-prone. Filip Jorgensen is also capable of making a huge mistake in goal.
Mike Penders could be the No.1 next season; however, he is still quite young. Goalkeeper is definitely going to be on the agenda once Alonso gets down to work.
Chelsea goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen before Conference League final
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Disciplinary record
Chelsea have improved in this area in recent weeks, but discipline has been a real issue for them this term.
As per WhoScored, they have picked up 83 yellow cards and seven red cards in the Premier League. Only London rivals Tottenham Hotspur (93) and Brighton & Hove Albion (86) have been cautioned more times.
Including Enzo Maresca’s sending off when he was still in charge, Chelsea have been shown 10 red cards. It is a ridiculous figure, which Alonso needs to bring down next season.
Marc Cururella gets sent off v Fulham.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Defensive concentration
Chelsea have conceded too many early goals of late. Calum McFarlane’s men did well to keep Manchester City out until the 71st minute in the FA Cup final, but in previous games against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, they were breached from basically the get-go.
At Anfield, it took Ryan Gravenberch just five minutes to put Liverpool ahead. Taiwo Awoniyi only needed a minute to give Forest the lead when they beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s lack of defensive concentration has killed them in these past few weeks.
Fan unrest
Alonso is a Liverpool legend, but Chelsea supporters are not bothered by that. They have warmly welcomed the 44-year-old to the club.
Liverpool players with Champions League trophy
Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images
Alonso is a popular appointment because of what he achieved at Bayer Leverkusen and his playing career. It will take some pressure off the club’s owners and sporting directors, who have angered fans with some of the decisions they have made.
Stamford Bridge was starting to become toxic, but if Chelsea start winning games again, the mood will undoubtedly improve. That should help the Bridge to become a fortress once more, which is why Alonso now needs to bring the supporters and owners together in a positive way.
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