The announcement confirming Xabi Alonso as Chelsea’s next manager has been met with delight, excitement, optimism and even some praise for BlueCo – and Frank Leboeuf shares that sentiment.
There are signs that after protests and criticism, BlueCo are changing their ways. The appointment of Alonso promises to be the start of a new era, in which BlueCo hand the manager more freedom.
Simon Jordan met Behdad Eghbali and says he’s one of the smartest and capable people he’s ever met in football 👀
Thoughts?
Simon Jordan on Behdad Eghbali
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
That is signalled in Alonso’s job title, named Chelsea’s manager and not their head coach. All four appointments made by BlueCo before Alonso’s arrival were named head coach and lacked power.
There is a real sense of hope back at Chelsea, twinned with a win against Tottenham on Tuesday. Those of a Chelsea persuasion believe everything is now in place for the Blues to go on and be successful again.
Frank Leboeuf shares text he sent to Behdad Eghbali
Chelsea icon Leboeuf is among those delighted with the appointment of Alonso, with the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen gaffer putting pen to paper on a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on ESPN this week, Leboeuf exclaimed his relief at Chelsea’s decision to hire Alonso. In his surprise that BlueCo and Behdad Eghbali had pulled off a coup, Leboeuf shares what he text Eghbali.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
“We were expecting him to sign for Liverpool and I’m very surprised that he didn’t, they were my first thoughts. What a signing, I have to say – I like bragging about my friends – I texted Behdad Eghbali.
“‘What a move man, I’m so happy and I’m so proud of you.’ That is the coach we needed, he’s not only going to be the coach, but the manager, so hopefully he gets all the control with the recruitment.”
What Xabi Alonso told reporter on the street about Chelsea
Overnight, a clip of Alonso emerged on the streets of Spain. He was quizzed briefly by a reporter from El Chiringuito about Chelsea, in which Alonso underlined his excitement at becoming Chelsea manager.
If Chelsea have to sell this summer, which ONE are you sacrificing?🤔
Xabi Alonso has addressed the futures of Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
He said he is excited by the project, before being asked about the futures of Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella. Reports say Alonso has told BlueCo that they must keep Fernandez and Cucurella.
He said: It came together quickly. It’s a very good option. A nice project,” he said. Asked about the trio’s future at Chelsea, Alonso gave a brief response: “This is football, we’ll make a good team.”
For now, Chelsea need to beat Sunderland in Calum McFarlane’s final game as interim manager to give themselves a chance of Europa League football. Defeat, and Chelsea could go without Europe at all.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox