Paul Merson has urged incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to recall Nicolas Jackson from Bayern Munich once he takes over at Stamford Bridge, while also advising the club to move on from struggling striker Liam Delap.
Alonso's Appointment
Ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is preparing to take charge of Chelsea after being appointed as the club's new manager on a four-year deal. Alonso, one of the best players of his generation, emerged as Chelsea's top managerial target following Liam Rosenior's sacking last month. While Alonso is highly rated as a coach, he has been warned he has 'one hell of a job on his hands' to revitalise the struggling Blues.
Chelsea's Season
Chelsea finished fourth under Enzo Maresca last season and won the Conference League and Club World Cup. However, this term has been a completely different story, with Chelsea slumping to a tenth-place finish in the Premier League and going through three managers. It remains to be seen what Alonso decides to do with several talented but underperforming players.
Merson's Advice
Discussing Chelsea's appointment on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Merson said: 'I thought Chelsea were in a position where they had a manager who was grateful to manage Chelsea. They need a manager who the fans are grateful that he's managing Chelsea, and they've got that now with Xabi Alonso because he's a top manager.'
Merson added: 'They need players and they need a clear-out. I would get Nicolas Jackson back, I would rip Jackson back. I've said it before, Palmer made Jackson and Jackson made Palmer. Palmer's not on that plane to the World Cup because Jackson's not been there.'
Regarding Liam Delap, Merson stated: 'Liam Delap is out of his depth. Joao Pedro wants to come this way towards the midfield and it closes everything down; he's more of a No. 10 really.'
Jackson's Situation
Chelsea's £30m deal for Delap last summer was seen as a bargain, but he endured a miserable first season, playing back-up to Joao Pedro and scoring just two goals in all competitions. Delap's arrival was one of the reasons Chelsea sanctioned Jackson's loan move to Bayern Munich, with the German champions paying £14m for a season-long loan and agreeing to a £56m permanent option. However, Jackson did not feature enough for the conditions to be activated, so he will return to Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea are expected to try to move him on, but Merson believes that would be a mistake given his ability and productive relationship with Cole Palmer.
Tactical Suggestions
Merson also suggested a formation change: 'A back-three would suit Chelsea because they've got Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Malo Gusto who can bomb forward, and they've got two holding midfielders in Caicedo and Enzo. That will suit Xabi Alonso. They could be a good team, but they need some experience.'
