Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has delivered a touching end-of-season message to fans after a hugely disappointing campaign at Stamford Bridge. The French right-back has acknowledged the pain fans are feeling after the Blues finished 10th and missed out on any European football next season.
The message came at the end of a turbulent season that brought serious upheaval in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca quitting Chelsea in January, before the decision to appoint Liam Rosenior backfired and he, too, was sacked. Having taken a fair amount of personal criticism this term, Gusto decided to speak to the fans who have stuck with the team through many struggles:
“It’s really hard to put this season into words. Deep down, I know there’s a lot to take from it once the frustration fades, but right now it just hurts for us, and I know for you too. We worked hard and put in so much effort daily, but this isn’t enough and it’s not where Chelsea belongs. We may have fallen, but we won’t stay down. That’s what I’ve learned being part of this club. Thank you for the support, and come on, Chelsea.”
What’s Next For Chelsea Under Xabi Alonso
The emphasis is now firmly on the summer, with the incoming manager bringing in a big reset. Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year deal, effective 1 July 2026.
The Spaniard arrives with a fearsome reputation, much of which he earned during his spell with Germany. In 2024, Alonso achieved an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double, winning Bayer Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title. The good news for fans is that he’s being given more authority than any coach brought in under the new ownership.
The lack of European games midweek might help Alonso in his bid to turn this young squad into genuine contenders again. When the new campaign begins, fans will hope fervently that the painful lessons of this season finally translate into sustained progress.