Xabi Alonso tactics has been one of the big things on fans minds since his appointment as Chelsea boss. He has shown versatility throughout his managerial career, utilising a number of systems including a successful 3-4-2-1, a 4-4-2, and a standard 4-2-3-1 during his stints with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. The first pre-season outing against Western Sydney Wanderers gave us a look at how the Spaniard intends to set up his Blues going into the new season.
Xabi Alonso Tactics at Chelsea: Formation & Out-of-Possession Work
The Formation & Build Up
The biggest question of his regime got its answer, Alonso started in a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to his predecessors who have used this same system. This does come with the caveat that a numner of players are still yet to join the squad so keeping things simple for the academy players might be the preferred approach.
When in the build-up we did see a shift from what was expected. While at Leverkusen, and occasionally with Los Blancos, the former midfield player set his team up to play out with a back three and a pivot close to each other. His Chelsea side instead built up in a very similar manner to previous coaches: the centre-backs go wide and one pivot player would dip in to try and provide an out ball. The movements and patterns were on the surface very similar to what the players are already comfortable with.
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In addition, his use of the wide areas and full-backs were quite familiar. Landon Emenalo was used in the Marc Cucurella spot on the left, finding space to exploit when on the attacking end and having to rush back when possession changed hands.
Wingers were often put into 1v1 situations that happened often with Maresca. This was especially noticeable towards the end of the match when Jamie Gittens was isolated on the left a lot.
In a bit of inspiration from Liam Rosenior, we did see one tactical change to incorporate more direct passes when playing out from the back. There were times, especially once Levi Colwill came on, that he would ping the ball for runners out wide instead of remaining patient, this gives the opposing defence more to think about and helps prevent the initial build-up from becoming predictable.
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Runners were a common aspect of his attack at Leverkusen and Madrid and have remained as much here. Liam Delap wasn’t the most impactful striker but he was constantly on the shoulder of the centre-backs and there were times the full-back or winger would bomb forward and try to get open for a direct pass.
Out Of Possession
It was a fairly standard shape as the majority of teams nowadays shift to a 4-4-2 to counter-press and that was utilised against Western Sydney Wanderers. The first-half saw Liam Delap joined by left wing Dastan Satpayev when the team lost the ball with everyone else shifting over behind them.
The back line was particularly prone in this one, but the lack of new signings and regular starters means this could be worked on later in pre-season. As it was, the gaps and weaknesses looked similar to the worst days of Maresca’s tenure.
Room for Change?
It may not be time to panic just yet for back three respecters. It isn’t totally unusual for a new manager to slowly integrate their own ideas. As it stands, the Blues definitely don’t have the players on hand to play exactly how Xabi Alonso tactics demand, particularly without any of his starting midfield options.
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In addition, he would be right to not trust the back line to play how he’s used to without a clear CCB option who can do what he wants. The reported arrival of Maxence Lacroix could open up some new tactical avenues along with the eventual return from break of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and co.
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