Chelsea’s decision to hire Xabi Alonso has been made with the intention of closing the gap to the top of the Premier League, and Arsenal’s Mikel Merino has now given his reaction to the news.
The Blues moved quickly following the heartbreak of the FA Cup final to keep some optimism with supporters, many of whom believed Xabi Alonso was the best available candidate.
The club have handed the Spaniard the title of manager rather than head coach, suggesting he will have a larger say on transfers and tactics than those who came before him.
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Chelsea Premier League table on final day of the season
Via – GRV Media
Mikel Merino praises Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso
With the prospect of potentially one game a week if they miss out on European qualification, there is belief they could undergo an instant revival up the leageue not dissimilar to how Manchester United have done with Michael Carrick in charge.
Arsenal are the current pace-setters in the league, and Mikel Merino was asked by El Larguero what he made of the decision to hire Alonso across London.
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Merino admitted he hopes he does well, saying: “Well, not surprised, because I understand how football works. I know there’s often little patience with managers and that results are expected. So it’s natural, it’s how the business works, and immediate results are sought.
“Now, with Chelsea, we’ll see how he does. He’s undoubtedly a manager who has shown he has a lot of experience, that he’s won important things, and that his teams play very well.
“So, well, we’ll see how he manages that dressing room. I hope he does well, except against us, and well, we’ll see each other next year.”
Alonso’s time in charge at Chelsea won’t officially begin until the end of the season, meaning Calum McFarlane will be tasked with leading them for the final game of the season against Sunderland.
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Xabi Alonso has addressed the futures of Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea
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Chelsea have to back Alonso well this summer
Enzo Maresca can feel a bit hard done by with some of the transfers the club completed for him ahead of the 2025/26 season, and the club cannot afford to make the same mistake again.
The Spaniard is already making demands on who will be in his Chelsea squad for next season, and the club need to listen to them after managing to convince him to join.
Alonso wants two new centre-backs in his squad to complement Levi Colwill, opening up the chance for him to use a system that involves three centre-backs.
The incoming boss also wants to keep Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, although both are reportedly considering moves to Spain this summer.
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