- Chelsea issues
- Xabi Alonso’s team formation
- How the Spaniard will set up the team
Chelsea are seemingly casting a wide net in their search for a new manager. After Liam Rosenior’s sacking, the Blues will look for someone to steady the ship and eventually take it forward from next season. However, with several candidates on the list, Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the eary frontrunners.
The Blues have entrusted Calum McFarlane to steer them through the remainder of the season. Los Blancos sacked Alonso six days before Rosenior took charge. His game plan with Real Madrid did not go as planned.
Besides, his previous spell at Bayer Leverkusen was one for the history books as he led the team to an undefeated Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in 2023–24. They also made it to the final of the Europa League and were a win away from the treble. That impact failed to register at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Moreover, if Chelsea decides to choose Alonso for their project, there could be a lot to look forward to, as both the manager and the club are looking for a shot at revival.
Inside Alonso’s tactical setup
The Spaniard’s preferred formation at Leverkusen was 3-4-2-1. In Madrid, accommodating star-studded names made him rethink his methods to adapt to the squad. In the early days, he experimented with both a three-man backline and a traditional back four to bring greater fluidity to the team.
But the aftermath was against him. However, this learning could pave the way for better success at his next club. His formation brings tactical flexibility, dominance in possession, and an elite attacking press, which suits Chelsea. Perhaps, the biggest test will be refining the squad’s raw talent and restoring confidence to the group.
What an Alonso Chelsea XI could look like
Alonso would likely make several changes to the squad to shape it to his playbook. Moreover, if the Spaniard takes over, this is how the team may be structured.
GK: Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez might have proven crucial in the FA semi-final, but his position has been uncertain. But if it is down to the options available, he would be the starter.
CB: Reece James
James has been a central figure at Stamford Bridge. His ability to play wing-back and midfield is a huge advantage. However, his injury-prone nature would be the issue.
CB: Levi Colwill
Colwill’s passing is phenomenal, making him one of the best in his position. This would be a great add-on for Alonso.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah
The defender has been a versatile Cobham graduate for Chelsea. And he has brought consistency and reliability to the backline.
RWB: Malo Gusto
The demands of a wing-back are always high. And with the likes of Pedro Neto alongside young Geovany Quenda, whose loan spell at Sporting CP remains under close analysis, the Spaniard will have no shortage of options to choose from.
CM: Moises Caicedo
Stamford Bridge’s defensive engine room is Caicedo. Having the box-to-box talent makes him the perfect fit for any system.
CM: Enzo Fernandez
While the Argentine may not fit Alonso’s defensive philosophy, he would still have a place in the team. With no suitors due to the club’s hefty price tag, the challenge would be to reshape Fernandez into a more Granit Xhaka-like role.
LWB: Marc Cucurella
The player may be on his way out this summer, but if he remains, the wing-back role is firmly his.
AM: Cole Palmer
Palmer will remain the focal point at the club, but the real question is how Alonso chooses to use him. If he can restore the midfielder to his best, Chelsea will have little to worry about in front of goal.
SS: Joao Pedro
Deploying him as a central striker has transformed the side, with his clutch finishing making the difference. Yet questions over his best position remain. Given his creativity and intelligence, a role as a second striker may suit him even better.
ST: Nicolas Jackson
If Chelsea chooses to hand Jackson a second chance, and with flashes of his goal-scoring instinct already on display at Bayern Munich, the responsibility of delivering the perfect outcome could rest firmly on Alonso’s shoulders.
