Chelsea are believed to be in talks with Xabi Alonso’s camp over a move. There have even been suggestions that they have already interviewed the Spaniard and have been impressed with the project that he has presented. Now, it remains to be seen if they can get the deal over the line and appoint him as manager.
Alonso is the best choice in the eyes of most Chelsea fans. That being said, his failure at Real Madrid shows that it is not a guarantee.
The Blues will need to provide him with the right conditions to help him succeed. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink seems to be of the same view. He said on Sky Sports News (via Metro):
‘The problem is he wants to manage how he wants to manage and he feels that the players have to follow him. Stars are a little bit different, you need the support of the club.
‘I really like that, I like that he has his way, “This is how I see it, you players are going to follow my guidance and this is how I want to play and you’re going to play in a system, you’re going to run”, and if Chelsea chooses him, you have to give him the keys.
‘I’ve always said that whoever you choose, you have to give them the keys and the players need to know that he is the decision-maker.’
Will BlueCo hand Alonso the keys?
One issue that Liam Rosenior faced during his time at Chelsea was that he never seemed to win over the dressing room. A lot has come out in the media following his sacking. And if true, then he simply was not able to command the respect of his team.
Considering Alonso’s reputation in the game, from his time as a player and also as a Bundesliga-winning manager, one would imagine that he should not have any such issues. While he was not able to handle the dressing room at Real Madrid, things should be a lot different at Chelsea.
Even then, if Chelsea give him complete control over football matters, that should help Alonso. As Hasselbaink pointed out when asked if the hierarchy would be prepared to let the Spaniard be the key decision-maker:
‘That’s a question for them, but I think that’s the only way it will work.
‘Players need to know that the manager is in charge for football decisions and the moment they know that, they will run harder, they will do their best.
‘So if you’re going to choose Alonso, give him the keys and trust the process. Trust the process and let him lead.’
Chelsea owners must recognise that the time for change has come
Over the past four years, the owners have had plenty of time to test their model. It quite simply has not worked. They have signed one youngster after another, hoping that the squad will grow and develop together.
In football, it simply does not work like that. Youngsters need some experienced players to guide them. Hopefully, that need will be recognised after four years of poor results.
On the other hand, the managerial choice is important as well. There is more to it than just getting a talented head coach, which Rosenior is by all accounts. It is about managing the dressing room, getting them motivated and finding the right system to get results for your particular team. Also would have a much better chance at achieving this if he has more of a say on football matters than previous Chelsea managers have had.
