⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[AGogi2003]

Everyone has their opinion and expectations about Xabi Alonso, for me I also believe he will succeed at Chelsea. He has said that he will allow players that are not fully committed to the club to leave, and after Enzo have hit to leave I think he will be leaving chelsea this transfer window. As for players that will arrive we still don’t know but their have been lot of players that have been linked With the club.

The management have said they will allow Alonso have a big say in every player they will sign this season. By July Alonso will begin his work and the we will start seeing players that intrest him. I really can’t wait to see his project and how well he will do in the league. Let see where he will end next season in the league.

We don’t really knows how xabi Alonso will play is role in Chelsea next season so we can’t predict if he can handle the club well or not we just knows that any coach that come to new club will always do is best to perform Nice on is first season and that is what I just get believe on, that xabi Alonso can contribute very good in Chelsea next season. Now that is not in a big competition they will always focus on the premier league that will give him hope and the players won’t be over stress and they can contribute very good in the league competition next season, let just watch which players he will sigh before next season started.

[slapper]

Chelsea was a strong team and it seems always like they want to be on their previous and strong position . The new coach xabi Alonso will try to get the team in their back era and make them to perform strongly and efficiently.  And I think if Chelsea team will sign new and talented players it will be very beneficial for the team as they can stand in top positions. And it will be a good decision if they focused on only one goal because in this way they can fully concentrate and bring improvements in the team. And xabi Alonso is a reliable coach he is very experienced and i how he will manage to do the great with team. They very firstly need to overcome such main factors which are responsible their decline in the performance because without doing this maybe things not get easier

Everyone recognizes how successful Chelsea were in the past. However, after the major overhaul and the decision to focus on signing young players, Chelsea's performances eventually declined. Expecting a squad full of inexperienced young players to consistently deliver major achievements is extremely difficult.

The arrival of Alonso is clearly intended to address the poor performances of recent seasons. Everything will depend on how BlueCo manages and supports him. If Alonso is given the freedom to sign the players he wants, sell those he doesn't need, and is backed by the club even if results are disappointing at first, then improvement is certainly possible. Even so, that kind of progress will still take time and patience.

Patience for what? They have been "building" for four years already and more than a billion pounds have been spent. Some point the project must come to a life of its own.
That said. Alonso's transfer sights are very different from the typical BlueCo shopping list. That's interesting to me. He is attempting to secure players from Leverkusen who have experience in his system.

The Fernandez situation is ugly but I kind of think it's secretly a good thing? He has stated publicly that he wants to live in Madrid. Cucurella left, and pretty much wrecked the club's philosophy. No culture can be built around a group of men who are not motivated to be there.

They're youthful bodies being subjected to 60+ games a season. However, the injury rate was extremely high following the Club World Cup and Alonso's system requires even greater intensity of pressing. So, if the medical department doesn't adapt its approach to load, all else is equal.

But I'll make a statement here. At least for the first time since Tuchel left I can see a logical path. Palmer's on the right side as he is already a top player. Secure a good defensive midfielder who can play the game at tempo. Find somebody creative for the left flank. Let Alonso truly do the job instead of the sporting directors sabotaging him every transfer window.

[JeromeTash]

Xabi is coming in now, and look what he did in Germany with Leverkusen, he made them valuable. Now he can conquer England, but it's not so easy. You have to know how to win over players, your club, everything. That's why in every case, except for Real Madrid, Xabi has done wonderfully for me. In a club as important as Chelsea, he can triumph in the Premier League. Let's remember that Chelsea is the winner of nothing less than the Club World Cup.

I believe the same disaster that happened at Real Madrid may happen at Chelsea too. I don't think Xabi Alonso is the kind of coach who can handle the pressure at Chelsea or, on a broader aspect, the Premier League, like he did in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen. So I would urge Chelsea fans not to get too excited.

[AYOBA]

Xabi Alonso has quite a reputation and is expectation is for him to build Chelsea and now the major questions should be that will Xabi Alonso be able to do that job and with the level of exposure and building of other clubs then he should be able to bring back the old Chelsea that we all are now the once that have been in slumber and after for many changes nothing have changed but let's hope this time around Xabi Alonso will be the Messiah.

Yes of course I have confidence that Xavi Alonso can handle the job well to be  build Chelsea up. Because everyone knows that Xavi Alonso is a hardworking manager any teams that his manage at that moment his always try his possible best to make sure he build the club to a well standard, we all know that Chelsea has been suffering in a poor performances for the several seasons now; and there’s nothing changed.

So we can wait for a season to get started in next few months to see how Xavi Alonso can handle Chelsea, and everyone where having hope for him to do a better job and bring back the old Chelsea that we know into a best form next season.

[MorganaX]

Xabi is coming in now, and look what he did in Germany with Leverkusen, he made them valuable. Now he can conquer England, but it's not so easy. You have to know how to win over players, your club, everything. That's why in every case, except for Real Madrid, Xabi has done wonderfully for me. In a club as important as Chelsea, he can triumph in the Premier League. Let's remember that Chelsea is the winner of nothing less than the Club World Cup.

I believe the same disaster that happened at Real Madrid may happen at Chelsea too. I don't think Xabi Alonso is the kind of coach who can handle the pressure at Chelsea or, on a broader aspect, the Premier League, like he did in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen. So I would urge Chelsea fans not to get too excited.

What makes you say so ?

Chelsea is quite different in terms of the players causing or making a scene because over at Real Madrid they was so much tension plus the fact that everyone feels like a superstar and that's where and why teams dont do well because xabi Alonso record in his short time stay at Real Madrid wasn't that actually bad, I mean he is the only manager that manged to stop Barcelona from winning and winning Real Madrid inany El classico game. In Chelsea I feel the difference will be better although the league tension can also make him flops but am sure he can handle anything aside from having a huge locker room drama before the games start.

[Xyloo]

Xabi is coming in now, and look what he did in Germany with Leverkusen, he made them valuable. Now he can conquer England, but it's not so easy. You have to know how to win over players, your club, everything. That's why in every case, except for Real Madrid, Xabi has done wonderfully for me. In a club as important as Chelsea, he can triumph in the Premier League. Let's remember that Chelsea is the winner of nothing less than the Club World Cup.

I believe the same disaster that happened at Real Madrid may happen at Chelsea too. I don't think Xabi Alonso is the kind of coach who can handle the pressure at Chelsea or, on a broader aspect, the Premier League, like he did in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen. So I would urge Chelsea fans not to get too excited.

We can't really know for sure. Xabi had a very successful season at Bayer Leverkusen, and we lost, but you guys won the championship. He could show a similar performance at Chelsea, of course I don't expect an undefeated championship there, but for me, Chelsea would be considered successful if they finished in the top four in the league. I think the Spanish manager can achieve this because I think he has a high level of technical knowledge.

[colinistheman]

Xabi is coming in now, and look what he did in Germany with Leverkusen, he made them valuable. Now he can conquer England, but it's not so easy. You have to know how to win over players, your club, everything. That's why in every case, except for Real Madrid, Xabi has done wonderfully for me. In a club as important as Chelsea, he can triumph in the Premier League. Let's remember that Chelsea is the winner of nothing less than the Club World Cup.

I believe the same disaster that happened at Real Madrid may happen at Chelsea too. I don't think Xabi Alonso is the kind of coach who can handle the pressure at Chelsea or, on a broader aspect, the Premier League, like he did in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen. So I would urge Chelsea fans not to get too excited.

Alonso has already roared in Leverkusen's tent. Their rise has proven that he can build a strong system by his own. And can easily bring out the best results. But the thing that everyone should pay attention to is that the air on the Premier League field is much faster and more physical. And Alonso may be going through a huge test. Because it will definitely take a long time for him to adapt to this young chelsea squad and the tradition of constantly rotating players. In fact, it is better to wait until the preseason to understand whether Chelsea can stay in the Top 4.

[rachael9385]

I believe the same disaster that happened at Real Madrid may happen at Chelsea too. I don't think Xabi Alonso is the kind of coach who can handle the pressure at Chelsea or, on a broader aspect, the Premier League, like he did in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen. So I would urge Chelsea fans not to get too excited.

It's understandable that the state that Leverkusen was in wasn't as bad as Chelsea but you seem to forget how Chelsea are able to rise from zero to hundred within a short period of time with the right boost. We cannot really tell if Xabi is going to fold due to the pressure just yet. As an experienced coach I don't really think that's going to be the case for him.

[9ja Amaka]

Everyone has their opinion and expectations about Xabi Alonso, for me I also believe he will succeed at Chelsea. He has said that he will allow players that are not fully committed to the club to leave, and after Enzo have hit to leave I think he will be leaving chelsea this transfer window. As for players that will arrive we still don’t know but their have been lot of players that have been linked With the club.

The management have said they will allow Alonso have a big say in every player they will sign this season. By July Alonso will begin his work and the we will start seeing players that intrest him. I really can’t wait to see his project and how well he will do in the league. Let see where he will end next season in the league.

I think Alonso is a decent coach and I expect him to do well at Chelsea,  but the Chelsea board and fans should understand that the success will not come immediately.  It's a process and they have to give him time and not mount too much pressure on him right now. I really like what he has been doing by sanctioning the sales of players that are not ready to play for the club. I think that's a good thing to do, because keeping a player that does not want to play for the club will definitely affect the teams performance.  I am also happy that the Chelsea board has allowed him have a say in the transfer of players to the club and I believe that will let him buy players that will fit his style of play.

[Swordsoffreedom]

We don’t really knows how xabi Alonso will play is role in Chelsea next season so we can’t predict if he can handle the club well or not we just knows that any coach that come to new club will always do is best to perform Nice on is first season and that is what I just get believe on, that xabi Alonso can contribute very good in Chelsea next season. Now that is not in a big competition they will always focus on the premier league that will give him hope and the players won’t be over stress and they can contribute very good in the league competition next season, let just watch which players he will sigh before next season started.

Alonso is one of my favourite managers. With Alonso's help, Leverkusen has broken Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga. We used to think that only Dortmund could break Munich's dominance. Leverkusen performed incredibly well all season and won the title. The credit for that must go to Alonso.

Real Madrid are not giving Alonso enough time and freedom to work. I hope Chelsea don't do that. Alonso should be given the freedom to build the squad. If Chelsea really want to change themselves, they have to do it. Perhaps Alonso will be given the opportunity to build the squad. Marc Cucurella is going to be sold to Madrid, perhaps Alonso will add players to the squad according to his own preferences.

[Velvet78]

Do you think Chelsea can finish the new season in top 4? Or at a position which can help them qualify for the Champions League?    I started to see it more likely after Xabi Alonso's arrival...

He is one of the best young managers in the world now undoubtedly. The only thing needs to be done is to let him free on signings and strategies all. Then I believe he can handle it.

[Nightwatchmare]

I feel like we are gonna have to wait a lot of time to have a proper conclusion about the next season preparation, i mean Xabi Alonso for me is gonna make a super good job but i still want to see after the world cup what happens with some arrivals and departures of players, for example is gonna Enzo Fernandez still in Chelsea? I dont think so. And that is gonna be very important.

Xabi Alonso is a good coach but It is going to be a long night for him at Chelsea, like one good player is supposed to arrive at stamford, i know Chelsea still have time to do that but their situation is not what they should be quiet in the transfer window and wait for the world cup tournament to be over before they will make moves to sign players, there are plenty of clubs that are signing players even as the world cup is going on and i expected Chelsea to do the same thing, if they are not smart enough in the transfer window it will be difficult for Xabi Alonso to perform well.

[Abbatty]

I feel like we are gonna have to wait a lot of time to have a proper conclusion about the next season preparation, i mean Xabi Alonso for me is gonna make a super good job but i still want to see after the world cup what happens with some arrivals and departures of players, for example is gonna Enzo Fernandez still in Chelsea? I dont think so. And that is gonna be very important.

Xabi Alonso is a good coach but It is going to be a long night for him at Chelsea, like one good player is supposed to arrive at stamford, i know Chelsea still have time to do that but their situation is not what they should be quiet in the transfer window and wait for the world cup tournament to be over before they will make moves to sign players, there are plenty of clubs that are signing players even as the world cup is going on and i expected Chelsea to do the same thing, if they are not smart enough in the transfer window it will be difficult for Xabi Alonso to perform well.

Well I don’t know if you guys are following Chelsea but if you are then you will know right now they are not just sitting for the World Cup to finish before they make moves for players. Xabi have said he Does not want around players that are not willing to be at the club. When cucurella left Chelsea already said they are willing to give Hato chance for next season considering how he ended the season on top foam. And for Enzo Fernandez the club are waiting for Real Madrid to come up with a bid, but it is clear they will accept nothing below 120million euros. After that they have a couple of players in mind that will replace him.

So Chelsea are still moving in the right direction and Xabi Alonso is having a big say in every incoming transfer. He will begin his field work on July 1st, by then we will get to see players that will still leave the club.

[Crytohillss]

I feel like we are gonna have to wait a lot of time to have a proper conclusion about the next season preparation, i mean Xabi Alonso for me is gonna make a super good job but i still want to see after the world cup what happens with some arrivals and departures of players, for example is gonna Enzo Fernandez still in Chelsea? I dont think so. And that is gonna be very important.

Xabi Alonso is a good coach but It is going to be a long night for him at Chelsea, like one good player is supposed to arrive at stamford, i know Chelsea still have time to do that but their situation is not what they should be quiet in the transfer window and wait for the world cup tournament to be over before they will make moves to sign players, there are plenty of clubs that are signing players even as the world cup is going on and i expected Chelsea to do the same thing, if they are not smart enough in the transfer window it will be difficult for Xabi Alonso to perform well.

Well I don’t know if you guys are following Chelsea but if you are then you will know right now they are not just sitting for the World Cup to finish before they make moves for players. Xabi have said he Does not want around players that are not willing to be at the club. When cucurella left Chelsea already said they are willing to give Hato chance for next season considering how he ended the season on top foam. And for Enzo Fernandez the club are waiting for Real Madrid to come up with a bid, but it is clear they will accept nothing below 120million euros. After that they have a couple of players in mind that will replace him.

So Chelsea are still moving in the right direction and Xabi Alonso is having a big say in every incoming transfer. He will begin his field work on July 1st, by then we will get to see players that will still leave the club.

The Blues seem to be working with a clearer plan now the biggest difference is that the club appears willing to make tough decisions instead of holding onto players who aren't fully committed if the report an Enzo are true €120m would give them surplus plenty of room to strengthen multiple positions the real test though will be how quickly the new signings adapt and whether the club get the squad playing consistently from the start of the season.

[Agbe]

Do you think Chelsea can finish the new season in top 4? Or at a position which can help them qualify for the Champions League?    I started to see it more likely after Xabi Alonso's arrival...

He is one of the best young managers in the world now undoubtedly. The only thing needs to be done is to let him free on signings and strategies all. Then I believe he can handle it.

We can't say for now until we see their first three matches in the next season. When Chelsea rose up in the middle of the last season, many thought they were going to fight for the top 2 but ironically they drastically reduced. That not withstanding, there will be tough matches to play in the next season because many clubs will spring up.

[cakir1]

Rashford getting time is not about talent or what United needs, it's about the fact that Rashford and United management do not like each other anymore, he wants to leave and not play for the club. If he stays, and decides to try to make amends then maybe things would change, then I would understand everything, but at the current moment they are not really seeing eye to eye and that is why he wants them to sell him. Barcelona was a great deal for him, and if he played there, I think he would be very happy to be sold to them.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Rashford getting time is not about talent or what United needs, it's about the fact that Rashford and United management do not like each other anymore, he wants to leave and not play for the club. If he stays, and decides to try to make amends then maybe things would change, then I would understand everything, but at the current moment they are not really seeing eye to eye and that is why he wants them to sell him. Barcelona was a great deal for him, and if he played there, I think he would be very happy to be sold to them.

If I was a club manager, I dare not keep a player that doesn't want to be kept, because like it or not or believe it or not, this players are not robots, they are real humans with emotions and feelings, forcing a player to play in a club that he is not happy to play in is not a good idea due to several reasons, one of such being that he won't play for, or care about that progress of the club, he might even score goals but this is only when he has no choice, because for such players, I am very sure that if they find an opportunity to score a goal and an opportunity to miss the goal, he would rather miss the goal than score it especially if a goal that could the club to winning the match.

I would say if Marcus Rashford wanted to continue playing for Barcelona, then the management of manchester United should sell him off to the club, why keeping a player against his wil?
Except maybe I don't properly understand how this things works, then I will be happy to be lectured by another forum user who understands this better.

[Rockson1]

We can't say for now until we see their first three matches in the next season. When Chelsea rose up in the middle of the last season, many thought they were going to fight for the top 2 but ironically they drastically reduced. That not withstanding, there will be tough matches to play in the next season because many clubs will spring up.

Once a club hires a new manager there much expectations, Alonso is not a pushover, we known his contribution when he was the coach of Leverkusen although many people will point at this as what should be expected from him to replicate in the English premier League, perhaps he won't win the English premier League this seasons but I do not think that he will miss making it to top four in the league standings, I understand your point but that was last season, Chelsea had two different coaches and none could help the situation they were then, for this, I'm hoping to see things change under the new manager.

[Floczy]

We don’t really knows how xabi Alonso will play is role in Chelsea next season so we can’t predict if he can handle the club well or not we just knows that any coach that come to new club will always do is best to perform Nice on is first season and that is what I just get believe on

This is the best way to talk about a new manager, not being sentimental at all
I see people saying Yoo Xabi will transform Chelsea for the better and similar, but these are just assumptions, no body really knows how his performance will be with the club, but regardless we hope for the best

The only thing we have is his past clubs that he handled and their performance, which was kind of impressive, so based on that, he can only perform well if the club lives to his expectation via personal abilities and over all performance.

[el kaka22]

While I understand that they may not be waiting for world cup before they sell players, the teams may wait to buy Chelsea players until then, we do not know. Pls remember, some of these teams are willing to wait until world cup would be over so that they could sell their own players and use that money to buy Chelsea players.

Chelsea will not sell many more players if you ask me, Ezno and a few unwanted smaller value players would be it, they already got rid of Cucurella and they are planning on selling Enzo, I do not think that a bigger name would be sold for now. And they will most certainly use all of that money and then some to buy some more players, I am expecting at least 4 maybe even 5 players for this summer, which could make them better.