Xabi Alonso will return to management with Chelsea after his stint at Real Madrid, and Toni Kroos has faith that he will help turn the Blues around.
Despite his stint at the Bernabeu lasting less than a single season, the Spaniard’s stock has not dropped at all and he was the best available manager for interested clubs this summer.
Madrid legend Iker Casillas wanted Alonso back at Madrid, however they have decided to move forward with Jose Mourinho in charge.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Toni Kroos excited about Xabi Alonso at Chelsea
Chelsea fans and pundits have been left very excited about what the future holds with the Spaniard in charge, an opinion which has been backed up by former Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.
He told ‘Einfach mal Luppen‘ that he believes Alonso is a great manager, although admitted he was surprised at the speed Chelsea got the deal over the line.
FBL-KSA-SUPERCUP-BARCELONA-REAL MADRID
Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images
He said: “We have to be honest, though—it’s surprising how quickly it happened. There were no real rumours, it was basically just a done deal. But maybe that’s a good thing. It’s refreshing not to have four months of speculation beforehand.
“So I’ll go ahead and say it now: I still believe in Chelsea with Xabi Alonso as coach. I still think he’s a very good manager—that’s already been proven.
“It’s not Champions League, not Europa League right now, but it’s still a massive club. And over the last few years, the squad turnover has been insane.
“We’ll have to see—if they don’t even qualify for Europe, they might still finish eighth. I’m not even sure what that means in England anymore, maybe Conference League?
“But maybe it’s better if they don’t play in Europe at all, because then Xabi Alonso could actually build something properly. That’s dangerous for next season.”
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager!
What are you expecting from Alonso’s first season in charge?
Alonso looking to win over big-name Chelsea stars
Upon Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, he will quickly realise there is a plethora of talent waiting for the right manager to make the most out of them.
Alonso sees Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer as untouchables, and is already working on convincing other members of the squad that their future should be in West London.
This includes Enzo Fernandez, who at this stage is yet to commit his future to Stamford Bridge despite the big-name new manager joining.
With rumours of Chelsea needing to sell this summer, it is certainly going to be an interesting few months to see how much backing the new manager gets.
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