Everything started again for Chelsea when a new coach officially took over the coaching bench. Ambition and consensus are the most mentioned terms on Xabi Alonso's debut day, but the Spanish strategist himself understands that the biggest challenge is to maintain those positive signs until the end of the season.
Alonso is no stranger to the pressure of the coaching profession. 7 months leading Real Madrid has helped him experience the harshness at one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, Chelsea is also a well-known environment for constantly changing coaches. Since Antonio Conte, no coach has stayed at Stamford Bridge for more than 2 years, while four coaches have been sacked in the middle of the season in the past 5 years.
Alonso took over Chelsea after a disappointing season when the team only finished in 10th place in the Premier League and was absent from European cups. His task is to rebuild the team culture as well as bring Chelsea back into the title race, even though he understands that he may not be given too much time.
Time will tell. What I am sure is that we have ambitions to win and compete in every arena. We need to make important decisions, build clear principles, a strong spirit and a solid culture for the club.
I will not say what will happen at the end of next season. But I am optimistic that Chelsea can have a very successful season" - Alonso shared.
What makes many people curious is not how much Chelsea needs Alonso, but the reason why the Spanish strategist agreed to come to Stamford Bridge in the context that fans are constantly protesting against the BlueCo owners.
I think this is the right time to come to Chelsea. I don't think we are too far from the goal of building a team capable of competing and winning every match.
Surely last season there were many problems. We need to change a few things, consolidate some positions. If we find balance and make the right decisions, Chelsea can completely have a good season" - Alonso added.
A noteworthy point is that Alonso is given more power than previous coaches. He is not only in charge of expertise but also directly involved in the transfer planning process with the sports leadership department.
Although The Blues still maintain the model with five Sports Directors, Alonso said he is satisfied with the current operation. Alonso declined to comment on Chelsea's ability to recruit Granit Xhaka, but admitted that the team still needs to strengthen its forces before the new season.
The Spanish strategist also did not disclose priority positions, in the context that many stars such as Enzo Fernandez or Alejandro Garnacho are linked to leaving Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea has not yet significantly added experienced players.
Alonso's first Premier League season in 18 years will begin at the end of August. There was a time when many people believed that he would return to England to lead Liverpool, but in the end Chelsea was the next destination in the former Spanish midfielder's coaching career.
