The appointment of Xabi Alonso is the most positive news to come out of Chelsea since their Club World Cup win last summer. A lot of fans believe that this could be the move that finally gets the Blues back on track. It shows a clear shift in stance from BlueCo, that is for sure. In the past, they might have just passed on the Spaniard and made an easier appointment.
Of course, Alonso is no magician. He will need BlueCo’s backing in the summer transfer window, if his stint at the club is to be a success.
News also broke recently that Alonso and his staff had visited Cobham. He does not officially start as Chelsea boss until July 1 though. So, what was the reason behind visiting the club’s training facility when the players are away for the World Cup or their summer break?
Well, according to The Standard, Alonso discussed a range of topics with Chelsea staff. The Spanish manager’s trip to Cobham this week was to familiarise himself with the club and its workings.
Xabi Alonso will have a say on Chelsea’s transfer business
Alonso is expected to have more of a say when it comes to Chelsea’s transfer business this summer as well. It has been made clear that he is the ‘manager’ and not a ‘head coach’.
It is very clearly a move that has been made for the optics. The club want to point out to the supporters that they are ready to give up some control to the manager, after the fans’ complaints in recent times.
The report goes on to add that Alonso has been in regular contact with Chelsea’s sporting directors. This has been regarding their recruitment and transfers for weeks, and dialogue is ongoing.
Chelsea might find it difficult to sign players
It will be very interesting to see how Chelsea go about their transfer business this summer. It might not be as straightforward as many think.
Chelsea have a lot of work to do. They must sign quality players. But at the same time, they cannot offer them Champions League football, which makes things difficult.
Then there is the wage structure in place at Chelsea. It means that players can almost always find themselves better deals elsewhere.
It is easy to talk about signing proven and experienced players. But making it happen is a lot more difficult than that.
At the end of the day, somebody in their prime would want the best contract possible. And right now, Chelsea might not be offering that, unless they are willing to change their wage structure.
