Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has cautioned Chelsea that appointing Xabi Alonso as manager could lead to a 'problem' if the club does not grant him full authority over football decisions. The former Chelsea striker spoke out as the Blues continue their search for a seventh permanent manager in five years following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior last month.
Rosenior's Tenure and Current Situation
Rosenior's stint at Stamford Bridge began promisingly but unraveled after early February, with five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal. Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane has since taken temporary charge, guiding the team to an FA Cup final and a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, though a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest highlighted ongoing struggles. Chelsea's hierarchy is eager to appoint a permanent successor quickly.
Alonso Emerges as Candidate
Among the names linked are Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Andoni Iraola, and Xabi Alonso. Reports suggest Alonso, who left Real Madrid in January after eight months, is open to the Chelsea role. Hasselbaink commented on Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid: 'I don't think he did that badly. The problem is he wants to manage his way, and players must follow him. Stars need club support. I like that he has his vision, but if Chelsea chooses him, they must give him the keys.'
Hasselbaink's Advice to Chelsea
Hasselbaink emphasized that Alonso must be the sole decision-maker: 'Players need to know the manager is in charge. If you choose Alonso, give him the keys and trust the process.' He also expressed sympathy for Rosenior, noting that Chelsea's issues run deeper than the manager: 'It can't only be Liam's fault. They need to examine what went wrong after Enzo Maresca left.'
FA Cup Final and Cole Palmer
Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final this weekend. Despite being underdogs, Hasselbaink believes an upset is possible: 'A final is a one-off game. Anything can happen.' He also addressed Cole Palmer's difficult season, attributing it to a lack of pre-season and niggling injuries: 'He hasn't played pain-free. He needs a good holiday after the World Cup to rebuild.'
