While expressing immense belief in Xabi Alonso’s managerial talent, Ashley Cole has admitted he has one nagging doubt about the Chelsea appointment.
Xabi Alonso has built his stellar managerial reputation on a possession-heavy 3-4-2-1 formation. This has yielded historic success at Bayer Leverkusen, characterised by a rock-solid defensive foundation and a suffocating counter-press that even Bayern Munich couldn’t cope with.
In possession, his system morphs seamlessly as the wing-backs push high, allowing two creative playmakers to drift inside and create.
However, whether Chelsea‘s current squad is suited for this shape remains a major point of contention. The Blues do have attacking wing-backs in the form of Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto, but central defenders have struggled to keep things tight in a high defensive line.
Chelsea should have given Joao Felix more time… 🪄
45 G/A in 47 games!
Ashley Cole has doubts over Xabi Alonso’s tactics at Chelsea
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Ashley Cole is hesitant about the formation Xabi Alonso could choose to use at Chelsea.
My question to you guys is, do you think his philosophy and style would really suit Chelsea? You know, he’s played like a three at the back, hasn’t he? Would that suit, do you think?
“I don’t think so, playing five at the back personally, but if he is allowed to be himself, sign his own players, make the decisions and have the power, he will be great. But it doesn’t matter which manager you get in, they have to be allowed to do what’s made them great.”
Chelsea made a mistake getting rid of Noni Madueke! Do you agree?😠
Ashley Cole has every right to be hesitant
Despite Chelsea handing Xabi Alonso a manager title rather than the restrictive head coach label, lingering doubts persist over how much control he will truly wield.
The hierarchy reportedly promised Alonso a major say in reconstructing the squad to avoid the player unrest that plagued Liam Rosenior.
However, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are staying on as sporting directors, meaning the club’s data-driven, multi-club system will still dictate ultimate transfer decisions.
Alonso may have a louder voice, but Clearlake’s board ultimately retains the final veto on all signings.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox