Rio Ferdinand and Daniel Sturridge have both expressed their opinions since it was announced three days ago that Xabi Alonso would take over as Chelsea’s manager ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Alonso has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea and will start working there on July 1. On July 28, he will play his first preseason game in Australia against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Alonso will undoubtedly have been watching Chelsea on Tuesday night. By defeating Tottenham, the Blues broke a seven-game losing streak in the Premier League and increased their chances of qualifying for Europe.
Chelsea might yet make it to the Europa League with a trip to Sunderland remaining, even if Alonso may genuinely prefer that Chelsea not be in Europe during his first season. Daniel Sturridge and Rio Ferdinand expressed their opinions.
Rio Ferdinand was shocked to learn that Xabi Alonso had joined Chelsea.
Alonso’s selection is viewed as a true coup by many football fans, both Chelsea supporters and others. In a crisis, the Blues have hired one of the most promising young managers in the world.
There is potential at Chelsea, and Alonso could be the man to ignite that. However, Chelsea hasn’t been able to accomplish this thus far. Ferdinand expressed his amazement that Alonso had joined Chelsea on his YouTube channel.
“To be honest, I’m shocked he went there. I’m not arguing that he was a bad decision. I’m shocked because I assumed he would have been patient enough to watch how the Arne Slot scenario developed.
“You just think that was a connection waiting to bloom behind the scenes. The former Liverpool star adores the club. The way things are going at Liverpool, if you simply sat back…”
He is undoubtedly the next in line to be hired. However, Chelsea moved swiftly. It’s likely that they placed some large numbers in front of him, causing him to turn and think, “Oh, I’m going to go for it.”
While any specific numbers regarding Alonso’s contract are unknown, it is the first time that BlueCo have named an incoming gaffer the ‘manager’ title and not ‘head coach.’ It implies that he will be granted freedom.
Daniel Sturridge has a request about Alonso for BlueCo.
With Chelsea now sitting in eighth position after their win over Tottenham, they will qualify for the Conference League as things stand. Whether Alonso and Chelsea actually want that is another question.
Xabi Alonso’s opening remarks as manager of Chelsea!
Former Chelsea striker Sturridge has advised BlueCo to keep Alonso in the dugout for at least two years, according to an interview with Sky Sports. It would see him become BlueCo’s longest-serving boss since their takeover.
“For Chelsea, it’s about giving him a minimum of two seasons. Full seasons. Pre-season, get to know the boys, build that chemistry, the first season—being out of Europe helps,” Sturridge said before Chelsea’s victory.
“Then the following season, you’d like to think they’re challenging. The first season, getting in the top four, is deemed a success; maybe you get a trophy out of it,” Sturridge continued in his verdict on Alonso.
“The following season, they can go to the next level. This is the guy that can take them to the promised land, from what he’s done in the past, the excitement he brings to fans and players, I’m having it me.
While Chelsea fans have some time to wait until they see Alonso in the dugout, the Spaniard will be working behind the scenes ahead of what is a crucial summer for the Blues.
