There is no doubt that Xabi Alonso will be given more power than any manager appointed at Chelsea by BlueCo. But Matt Law has been told something particularly interesting.
That was clear when Chelsea announced the hiring of Alonso. For the first time since their takeover in 2022, BlueCo have handed an incoming gaffer the title ‘manager’ and not ‘head coach’. A signal of intent.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
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Alonso will boast more power than Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior in the transfer market and have more of a say than his predecessors on the running of the club.
While Chelsea fans will be made to wait until July 1 when he eventually takes office, Alonso is already working behind the scenes having been spotted with Paul Winstanley, Sam Jewell and Joe Shields.
Matt Law explains the power Alonso has at Chelsea
Most clubs have one or two running the show, a sporting director, a technical officer, and a director of football. But Chelsea have five sporting directors, a team that BlueCo does not themselves like to use.
Indeed, Matt Law has told the London is Blue podcast that BlueCo see Chelsea’s five sporting directors as a sports leadership group. Law says he has been told that Alonso will be on a par with the quintet.
“The way it’s been explained to me, which I think is really interesting – which I’ve never had it explained to me for any of the other head coaches – is he’s part of this leadership team. The five sporting directors.
Xabi Alonso addresses media ahead of Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah
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“Chelsea don’t like having them put under the umbrella of sporting directors and like the sporting leadership team. It doesn’t really matter which way, to be honest with you. It’s all just jargon.
“Xabi Alonso is not a sporting director. But he comes onto the sporting leadership team level. You know, there are the owners, which is the same as any other club. Then you have the sporting leadership team.
“Then, the head coach. How it’s been described to me is that Alonso, now called manager, is not in the sporting leadership team. But he’s on that level. And you could almost say he’s part of that process now.”
What does Alonso and the leadership team need this summer?
This summer is a crucial window for Chelsea. With European football, whether that be the Conference League or the Europa League, now on the cards, Chelsea need to get their work in the window right.
The Blues have a big squad, and clearly, without Champions League football, some players will be sold. Then, decisions will need to be made regarding the loan players returning and the incoming signings.
DISCUSS: Xabi Alonso can finally make the BlueCo era a success 👀
The likes of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, and possibly Valentin Barco. But when it comes to the starting line-up, Chelsea will know they need a goalkeeper they can rely on and experienced players.
A centre-back that can start alongside Levi Colwill, a midfielder with an older head in the mould of Casemiro. A left-sided winger could also be targeted, and better competition for striker Joao Pedro.
That’s before any players could leave. Alonso remained tight-lipped yesterday when asked about Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, but the Blues may also have to sign replacements if they depart.
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