Chelsea Analysis and Updates ii

FireSide



The Alonso excitement may have overshadowed both the negative loss and positive display from some of the players and the whole team.

Three positives specifically.

1. Palmer's defensive contribution was probably the best I have ever seen from him.

2. Fofana made a single error. Otherwise the man was carrying the ball from defense to attack like he was on drugs and still fell back to cover like a maniac.

3. The midfield ditched the sh*tty passing. For once I saw people with confidence to dribble.

4. The defensive awareness and concentration from everyone was top notch.

5. To Rosenior, McFarlane may be a snitch. But he is shrewd and smart with acres of potential.

It may have been the new manager's fever in play, or truly proving the Rosenior sabotage narrative, but whatever it was, if it can be maintained & Improved, the sky should never be the limit.

FireSide

**Survival Meter- Attack"

This is one area I believe will need serious strengthening.

55-80- Natural Fits

Palmer & Estevao- They both love playing as 10's and half spaces. Preferred starters here when fit. They should both enjoy the one-two's and high mobility Alonso gives to his attacking players. Alonso's system also reduces the big spaces, wild pressing. It should help with injuries prevention they have been accustomed to in recent times.

Joao- Alonso wants his 9's to drip in between lines to link up plays as well as play in the defensive lines shoulders to exploit through balls. This is Joao's bread and butter. He should thrive.

41-50- Can Adapt

Delap - If he can get his head out of WWE and think more about soccer, he can adapt. Mainly because of how he plays on the CB shoulders and how he runs channels. If he doesn't, Ipswich are back in the Premier League.

Neto- I see his adaptability more as a wingback. He has the work rate, pace and a sprinkle of defensive attributes to do it. As a 10, his close dribbling technique is a sell out.

0-40 High Risk

Gittens- I see no defensive attributes for the wingback role. I haven't seen anything to see him as a 10. He should adapt or be amongst the first casualties

Garnacho- Have seen some things that you can use as a false 10. His liking for receive, run, pass, receive and shoot around and inside the box can be a weapon. But that's where the positives end. Must adapt or perish too.

WildCards

Quenda- His abilities are well known. He should do well in the half space role. Also ready made for the wingback role.

Satpaev- This kid reminds me of Lautaro Martinez and Kun Aguero. Elite movement, positioning and Finishing. I seriously rate this boy.

Emegha- Good movement and positioning especially around the back post areas. But I have some big reservations with him. Mostly his liking to make second touches before he can finish. Luxury strikers are rarely afforded in the EPL. We will have to see if he can be coached.

Jackson - Time at Bayern should have had him in retrospect of some of the kiddish attitude he used to have. If addressed, Nico is a potent tool that can be effectively used in a number of roles in attack. Half Spaces and Hybrid 10-9. Compound with his pressing and work rate, if no buyers are found you can slowly reintegrate him back into the fold.



The biggest mistake Alonso can make is to come in and try to fit our "big players wingers" in a dynamic formation.

First because they are entirely useless even in their "primary roles" and second because it exposes the weaknesses of other players who have key and working strengths.

We need :-
✓ covers for both Palmer and Estevao.
✓ Ball Playing Cover CB for Colwill
✓Another CB

These are the immediate ones that cannot be addressed from the Blue Co ecosystem.

✓ Left Wingback
✓ Right wingback
✓ Striker Cover...

These can be addressed from the ecosystem.

FireSide

Survival Meter- Midfield

The other day I said something on defence that didn't make sense to some people. But I think everything was clear against City. Sometimes what I say at a moment may not make sense, but time always proves me right. Except for one moment, Fofana looked like Messi on steroids and Hato didn't make a foot wrong. Colwill was perfect. What we wish for vs what we can truly get are two different things vs resources we may have. So a working compromise must be attained.

Now in midfield I hear people saying we need more additions but I always beg to differ. If Enzo doesn't leave and the Barco Kid joins, that will be a complete midfield to comprehensively play Alonso's back three. And I insist it must be a back three to not expose their weaknesses.

55-80

Caicedo -The only one guaranteed to start most games. Full fit for the system.

41-55

Enzo- if he doesn't leave, I see Enzo more as the first alternative to play alongside Caicedo. Mostly against non top four Sides. One because I see him not as effective as a 10. 2. Because from deep he is the most effective to arrive in the box late in the box to box role and 3 because his defensive liabilities are efficiently covered in back 5 and the Alonso's narrow spaces between lines tactic. In a back four he is a disaster in the hole role. Should have adequate cover in a back 3/5

Santos/ Essugo- Effective cover for Caicedo. Santos used to play box to box at Strasbourg and with Brazil youth teams. He can cover for Enzo in that B2B from a deep role.

Lavia- Can be called in as the most natural holding midfielder. Alonso encourages ball holding in midfield to attract presses. This then triggers the stage two of speedy triangle passes transitions. He could be effective at this.

WildCards

Barco/ Walsh- Alonso has natured kids all through his managerial career. He's made them flourish. These two, outside Lavia, are the only thing with capacity to break defensive lines through forced dribble in short spaces. I'd even say they could be more effective than Lavia in this role.

Considering that we need emergency strengthening in attack and defence, any additions here should only be based on one in one out principal. Any outright purchase could be a misplaced luxury we may not need or afford. ( Note I have moved CAM to attack).

🚨 💣 OFFICIAL: Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men's team.
The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a 4-year contract at Stamford Bridge. (via )

🚨 Chelsea ownership have had Alonso as a target since 2024. Alonso is “very very ready” to return. He’s coming to London in the next few days. Announcement imminent. All done.

(Fabrizio Romano)

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📲

Chelsea want to sign 2 or 3 ready-made players to boost their squad, regardless of whether they qualify for Europe. (via )

🚨 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso has accepted to become Chelsea next manager, HERE WE GO! 🔵🔜

The agreement is set to be completed.

prepare official announcement for the upcoming days, but Xabi said YES. 💣

Via Fabrizio Romano

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📲

are in advanced talks to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next boss. It's not done but could happen in the next few days should all go to plan. There is optimism’s from all parties involved.

[Via Nizaar Kinsella]

Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Xabi Alonso, who will sign a contract of at least two years.

[via Fabrice Hawkins]

🚨🔵 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Xabi Alonso agrees in principle to become Chelsea’s next head coach

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on appointing Alonso after positive talks accelerated this week, with the Spaniard now emerging as the clear No.1 choice to replace Liam Rosenior.

Sources claim Alonso has made a key concession on the club’s structure — accepting Chelsea’s shared recruitment model rather than demanding full control — helping both sides move closer to a final agreement.

The deal is not fully signed yet, but optimism is growing that an announcement could follow soon, with Chelsea hoping to have him in place before the end of the season.

If completed, this would be one of the biggest managerial appointments of the modern Chelsea era and a major statement from the ownership ahead of the summer rebuild.

Focus now remains on the FA Cup final today at Wembley. 🏆🔵

Source: TEAMtalk