Alonso Rosenior
Alonso Rosenior
Former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior promised he would take care of his players as human beings first, however it is Xabi Alonso who has shown signs of compassion at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea players are frequently on the end of ridicule from rival supporters and pundits due to price tags which are out of their control, and this can be difficult in particular for young players.
The Blues squad is full of those, and Rosenior promised early on he would look to take care of them, highlighted by his ‘ageing of men’ comments.
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Xabi Alonso has delivered on what Liam Rosenior promised at Chelsea
One situation he was not privy to be involved with was Mykhailo Mudryk’s, with the winger suspended throughout the Englishman’s tenure.
However, he is now available for selection again, and Alonso handed him his first appearance in nearly two years in pre-season against Juventus.
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Alonso admitted after the game it was more than a footballing decision to give Mudryk minutes, and the positive reaction his teammates gave the substitution showed how happy everyone was for the Ukraine international.
It remains to be seen what the 2026/27 season holds for Mudryk, although with Morgan Rogers and Jamie Gittens in the squad it looks difficult to earn minutes.
A loan move, or even permanent switch to Frank Lampard’s Coventry could be on the cards, however Alonso can take pride in how he has looked after a player who has been through a turbulent 18 months.
This will also send a good example to the rest of the squad, some of them more than aware that there will be some tough moments meeting them in the upcoming months.
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Rosenior talked the talk when it came to looking after his players, but in truth only brought more criticism onto them.
The infamous moment where Chelsea players surrounded the ball and referee before the game against Newcastle allowed rivals to ridicule them, even if the boss tried to take some of the responsibility.
Alonso is letting his actions do the talking, and the way he has handled the Mudryk scenario will speak volumes throughout the squad.