It has been three days since it was confirmed that Xabi Alonso would become Chelsea manager ahead of next season, and both Rio Ferdinand and Daniel Sturridge have had their say.
Alonso has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Chelsea and will take office on July 1, with his first game as Chelsea boss coming in Australia in pre-season, against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28.
DISCUSS: Xabi Alonso can finally make the BlueCo era a success 👀
There is no doubt that Alonso will have been watching Chelsea on Tuesday night. The Blues ended a run of seven Premier League games without a win by beating Tottenham and boosting their European hopes.
Alonso might actually prefer Chelsea not to be in Europe in his first season, but with a trip to Sunderland still to play, Chelsea could still reach the Europa League. Rio Ferdinand and Daniel Sturridge had their say.
Rio Ferdinand stunned that Xabi Alonso has joined Chelsea
For many footballing fans, both of a Chelsea persuasion and beyond, Alonso’s appointment is seen as a real coup. The Blues have managed to hire one of the world’s most promising young managers, in crisis.
There is potential at Chelsea, and Alonso could be the man to ignite that. But so far, Chelsea have been unable to do so. On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said he was surprised Alonso had gone to Chelsea.
“I’m actually surprised he’s gone there. I’m not saying he’s the wrong choice. The reason I’m surprised is because I thought he would have been patient enough to see how the Arne Slot situation would play out.
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“Ex-Liverpool player, loves the club, you just think that was a relationship waiting to happen behind the scenes. If you just sat tight, the way things are going with the way things are unfolding at Liverpool.
“Surely he’s next in the queue to get that job. But Chelsea acted quickly. They’ve probably put something in front of him, some big numbers that’s turned his head and he just thought, “Oh, I’m going to go for it.”
While any specific numbers regarding Alonso’s contract is unknown, it is the first time that BlueCo have named an incoming gaffer the ‘manager’ title, and not ‘head coach’. It suggests he will be given freedom.
Daniel Sturridge has a request for BlueCo regarding Alonso
With Chelsea now sitting in eighth position after their win over Tottenham, they will qualify for the Conference League as things stand. Whether Alonso and Chelsea actually want that is another question.
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager!
What are you expecting from Alonso’s first season in charge?
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Chelsea striker Sturridge has told BlueCo to keep Alonso in the dugout for two years at the very least. It would see him become BlueCo’s longest-serving boss since their takeover.
“For Chelsea, it’s about giving him minimum two seasons. Full seasons. Pre-season, get to know the boys, build that chemistry, the first season – being out of Europe helps,” Sturridge said before Chelsea’s victory.
“Then the following season, you’d like to think they’re challenging. The first season, get in the top four, it’s deemed a success, maybe you get a trophy out of it,” Sturridge continued, in his verdict on Alonso.
“The following season, they can go to the next level. This is the guy that can take them to the promised land, from what he’s done in the past, the excitement he brings to fans and players, I’m having it me.”
While Chelsea fans have some time to wait until they see Alonso in the dugout, the Spaniard will be working behind the scenes ahead of what is a crucial summer for the Blues.
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