Xabi Alonso has been advised to make an immediate change to Chelsea's first-team squad when he takes over as manager at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will officially assume the role in July, having signed a four-year contract with the club.
Alonso's Appointment and Chelsea's Struggles
Alonso replaces Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month after just 106 days in charge. Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League this season, failing to qualify for any European competition. The new manager will look to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window, but departures are also expected.
Chelsea are aware that Enzo Fernandez wants to leave and have placed a £120 million price tag on the Argentine. Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer have also been linked with moves away from the club.
Goalkeeper Concerns
Former Chelsea player Andy Townsend has advised Alonso to sign a new goalkeeper, criticizing current number one Robert Sanchez. Townsend told BetVictor: 'I think Chelsea need a goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez has produced one or two better performances recently, but I just feel he is one of those goalkeepers that will let you down in a big moment. He has a mistake in him; there is a mistake never too far away. Those sort of goalkeepers, I am afraid, with modern day football, the way that goalies are asked to play, I think you have got to sort it out if your goalkeeper gives you the jitters. And he does that, I am afraid.'
Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have also advised Alonso to replace Sanchez. Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: 'I think the goalkeeper is a problem there at Chelsea, he is a liability. He cannot play the way they will want to play.' Scholes added: 'With the way Chelsea will play, I agree. He cannot do it. I am pretty sure Xabi Alonso will want to play that way, to build out from the back, so he will need a new goalkeeper then.'
Alonso's Managerial Career
This is Alonso's third senior managerial role, following a disappointing stint at Real Madrid and a highly successful period at Bayer Leverkusen. Upon his appointment, Alonso said: 'Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.'
Alonso spent five years in the Premier League as a player, helping Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005.
