⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Franctoshi]

I believe Xabi Alonso is here to rebuild the club from scratch because most of the key players have exited Stamford Bridge and some are still keen on leaving, this is entirely a new project for Chelsea and I believe the club will work entirely to make sure they can come up with good players to replace their old ones. There's this thing called transition and Chelsea happen to be one of the EPL elite sides to pass this phase, it's going to be extremely tough but one thing is certain, Chelsea will bounce back and when they do, winning games will become much more easier, it won't just be about winning games but lifting major trophies with consecutive winnings.

Can he build from the scratch? That's depends on why happen afterwards. He has 3 years deal, that's reasonable to win something for the club, there is disarray of Chelsea players, seems there are many of them that want to leave the club, Xabi would have to sign new players and let the team be in good shape again before they can have good result. His first mission is to make sure that he put Chelsea in the top 4 by next season to have chance in the Champions League.

Alonso might have what it takes to rebuild the Chelsea's falling team, but another question is; would Chelsea management team be patient with the process? Because good results don't come or happen overnight sometimes it might take a season or two to actually the team right back to track, taking Guardiola and Manchester city for instance, Guardiola didn't just come in and changed City overnight, it was during his second year that they started to see results and that's what I expect with Alonso too, except if that things starts to work out fine earlier for him.

[Sarah Azhari]

Alonso will definitely help them finish better than 10th, the real question is by how much. If he is still around there, like lets say 8th place or whatever, then that is not really a big improvement and basically the same thing all over again.

However, if we are talking about finishing lets say fifth or something then that is a real progress. I am not sure if Xabi Alonso can do that on his first ever season, that would be a huge jump in rankings and doubt that is possible at this moment.

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition. Given that Chelsea doesn’t have a packed schedule since they aren’t playing in European competitions this season. This makes it a little easier for Xabi to devise tactics and improve the team’s rhythm. And, of course, for that goal to be achieved, Xabi needs a strong squad, and management must fully support him.

[Pandu Geddon]

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition. Given that Chelsea doesn’t have a packed schedule since they aren’t playing in European competitions this season. This makes it a little easier for Xabi to devise tactics and improve the team’s rhythm. And, of course, for that goal to be achieved, Xabi needs a strong squad, and management must fully support him.

Xabi seems to already have some plans for his strategy and squad for Chelsea next season. The latest news about Chelsea is that they are reportedly successfully securing Marco Palestra after a competition with Inter. He's a young player who is also expected to bring a new dimension to the tactics Xabi has designed. We know the Premier League competition might not be easy, but if this team manages to perform well, they could reach a better position.

[Nheer]

Alonso will definitely help them finish better than 10th, the real question is by how much. If he is still around there, like lets say 8th place or whatever, then that is not really a big improvement and basically the same thing all over again.

However, if we are talking about finishing lets say fifth or something then that is a real progress. I am not sure if Xabi Alonso can do that on his first ever season, that would be a huge jump in rankings and doubt that is possible at this moment.

It's good to limit our expectations when a coach is new to the team and league so I won't expect him to challenge for the title just yet but I would say he should be able to challenge for top 4 spot to take the team back to the champions league. I know the board will not want to pressure him much this first season.  8th place is definitely not an improvement but as you said 5th place is fine even though I know Xabi Alonso can do better than that.

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition. Given that Chelsea doesn’t have a packed schedule since they aren’t playing in European competitions this season. This makes it a little easier for Xabi to devise tactics and improve the team’s rhythm. And, of course, for that goal to be achieved, Xabi needs a strong squad, and management must fully support him.

True the less schedule they have next season is a good advantage for him to have enough time to train and make the team better. I am really anticipating Xabi Alonso's time at Chelsea, I just want to see how good he can perform and I believe they will add more players to strengthen the team again so I expect something good from him.

[jakdanyel]

Xabi seems to already have some plans for his strategy and squad for Chelsea next season. The latest news about Chelsea is that they are reportedly successfully securing Marco Palestra after a competition with Inter. He's a young player who is also expected to bring a new dimension to the tactics Xabi has designed. We know the Premier League competition might not be easy, but if this team manages to perform well, they could reach a better position.

I have also seen it and couldn't find a meaning in it. They already have Reece James and Gusto on the right back position. Why would they go for another name? Is Gusto leaving for example?

Chelsea needs to give importance to a left back transfer the most now. Because Cucurella is leaving by the end of the month as you know. There is no other name as reliable as him left in the team then.

[rachael9385]

Xabi seems to already have some plans for his strategy and squad for Chelsea next season. The latest news about Chelsea is that they are reportedly successfully securing Marco Palestra after a competition with Inter. He's a young player who is also expected to bring a new dimension to the tactics Xabi has designed. We know the Premier League competition might not be easy, but if this team manages to perform well, they could reach a better position.

Well, we cannot be certain that after doing all of these there would be improvements but there's no doubt that Xabi is doing what you can to make the team go back to being in form. The problem with Chelsea right now is consistency, even if Xabi succeeds in developing a strategy and they start improving the real question here is, will they be able to be consistent through out the season?

[StarenseN]

First Xabi Alonso is not too familiar with this league, and it will only take his grace for Chelsea to get back to the competition, so anyone expecting an instant results from him will be making a huge mistake, he should at least be given the time to study the league, know in and out of it then you will watch him perform wonders I trust him on that, besides even the Bayern Leverkusen that he won the Germain Bundesliga with, at least he didn't just won it immediately he moved in the club, so he should be given time to set things.

I agree. Taking a team that was 10th this season, on a league he is going to manage for the first time, to fourth place or better would be unrealistic expectations. I do not expect him to be at the same level neither though, that would be bad results. So he has to improve, but the expectation is not improving a ton, it's just improving a bit. I would say if he finishes sixth on his first year, that would not be bad, it would not be good neither, it would be just "not fire him yet" levels.

[Distraction]

Xabi Alonso will adapt to the league without waiting for a long time I think. He is already familiar with this league by the way. I don't agree with the people who think he isn't.

He played at Liverpool for 5 years in his footballer career. How can you think like that in the first place?    I hoped to see him managing Liverpool but it didn't happen. Maybe one day...

[Cyber_warrior]

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition. Given that Chelsea doesn’t have a packed schedule since they aren’t playing in European competitions this season. This makes it a little easier for Xabi to devise tactics and improve the team’s rhythm. And, of course, for that goal to be achieved, Xabi needs a strong squad, and management must fully support him.

Xabi seems to already have some plans for his strategy and squad for Chelsea next season. The latest news about Chelsea is that they are reportedly successfully securing Marco Palestra after a competition with Inter. He's a young player who is also expected to bring a new dimension to the tactics Xabi has designed. We know the Premier League competition might not be easy, but if this team manages to perform well, they could reach a better position.

For sure there are expectations about Xabi Alonso, a lot of people have different opinion about what they expect of him. We all know he his a talented coach and I believe if given the right resources at Chelsea he can bring the back to where they really want.

Chelsea have given him a new versatile player, reports confirmed that Alosno was the one who asked the board to bring in pelestra to the team. Chelsea are also working on a new center back, They want to bring in Locoix, which I believe is a good one for them. He have been very good at crystal palace and even ended the season on a high profile.

Now we just have to wait and see if Xabi is the right man for chelsea.

[9ja Amaka]

Alonso will definitely help them finish better than 10th, the real question is by how much. If he is still around there, like lets say 8th place or whatever, then that is not really a big improvement and basically the same thing all over again.

However, if we are talking about finishing lets say fifth or something then that is a real progress. I am not sure if Xabi Alonso can do that on his first ever season, that would be a huge jump in rankings and doubt that is possible at this moment.

I still rate Alonso as decent manager, despite the disappointment at Real Madrid.  I believe the Chelsea board brought him in to rebuild the team, because we can see signs of them letting go of players that want to leave the club, which I think it's a very good start of rebuilding a team. I really can say where he will end at the end of the upcoming season,  but I think he needs time to do a good job at the team, so I am think the board already understands this and will not put too much pressure on here, rather they should concentrate on building their team.

[Egii Nna]

Alonso might have what it takes to rebuild the Chelsea's falling team, but another question is; would Chelsea management team be patient with the process? Because good results don't come or happen overnight sometimes it might take a season or two to actually the team right back to track.

That is just the main question. We all know that Chelsea are not that patient when it come to coaching. The wants quite results, and for the to achieve that, they will have to give him more time. For example, if Xabi Alonso will be able to bring Chelsea to the top 5 before this coming season end, I think the will definitely have a chance for another season, which I believe, if that should happen, then Chelsea will definitely give him chance. But if that shouldn’t happen, I don’t think they will be that patient. But only time will tell, many be they will be patient this time around.

[Solodoski]

If Alonso is given some time, then we can definitely expect to see a lot of good things from him. Because Chelsea have a lot of young players and Alonso is very good at developing young players. However, we may see some changes, if everyone in the team is able to adapt very quickly, then maybe we will be able to see Chelsea's improvement very soon. Chelsea's midfield can see a lot of improvement.

Well Alonso is a good coach, that is one thing we know based on his past performance, but wether he will do well in Chelsea depends on the clubs co-operation,
There are coaches who performed well but in a team but they move to another and do not perform well. likes of Jose Mourinho when he went to Tottenham.
So his performance is mainly on co-operation more than that of time.

[qurbanshah02]

Xabi Alonso will adapt to the league without waiting for a long time I think. He is already familiar with this league by the way. I don't agree with the people who think he isn't.

He played at Liverpool for 5 years in his footballer career. How can you think like that in the first place?    I hoped to see him managing Liverpool but it didn't happen. Maybe one day...

If he proves to be good for them, his experience will be very useful to them. The good news for them is that the team he will work hard to make experienced is not very strong, but if they get a coach like him and good players, that team can be very strong. That is why I thought that Bayern Munich could do something to Leverkusen this time, but it is more emotional. He has played a lot better in recent years, but now things are different for them, so they have to take steps with understanding. Chelsea also fired him and Real Madrid also have a good opportunity for him to make his name strong and famous because he will give 4 years of experience to the team he has become a coach of and if he works honestly, he will benefit from it. He is a young coach and his mentality will go in very good directions and benefit the team.

[Shineup]

Alonso will definitely help them finish better than 10th, the real question is by how much. If he is still around there, like lets say 8th place or whatever, then that is not really a big improvement and basically the same thing all over again.

However, if we are talking about finishing lets say fifth or something then that is a real progress. I am not sure if Xabi Alonso can do that on his first ever season, that would be a huge jump in rankings and doubt that is possible at this moment.

It's good to limit our expectations when a coach is new to the team and league so I won't expect him to challenge for the title just yet but I would say he should be able to challenge for top 4 spot to take the team back to the champions league. I know the board will not want to pressure him much this first season.  8th place is definitely not an improvement but as you said 5th place is fine even though I know Xabi Alonso can do better than that.

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition. Given that Chelsea doesn’t have a packed schedule since they aren’t playing in European competitions this season. This makes it a little easier for Xabi to devise tactics and improve the team’s rhythm. And, of course, for that goal to be achieved, Xabi needs a strong squad, and management must fully support him.

True the less schedule they have next season is a good advantage for him to have enough time to train and make the team better. I am really anticipating Xabi Alonso's time at Chelsea, I just want to see how good he can perform and I believe they will add more players to strengthen the team again so I expect something good from him.

Xabi Alonso is a very good coach no doubt, at least he's proven himself at the Germain Bundesliga with Bayern Leverkusen of which no one expected it from him, and again he's shown himself a little bit at Real Madrid, so truly he's a good coach but the fact is no one should expect him to start winning just now he's got into the club, he needs a little bit of a time to put things together because this Chelsea team is so disorganized that it will only take a good manager to bring them back in order, but Chelsea is not really that patient type so it will so gonna be a huge problem for them.

[GiftedMAN]

I still rate Alonso as decent manager, despite the disappointment at Real Madrid.  I believe the Chelsea board brought him in to rebuild the team, because we can see signs of them letting go of players that want to leave the club, which I think it's a very good start of rebuilding a team. I really can say where he will end at the end of the upcoming season,  but I think he needs time to do a good job at the team, so I am think the board already understands this and will not put too much pressure on here, rather they should concentrate on building their team.

Xabi Alonso is a good manager we won't judge him by his failures at Real Madrid because his impact at Bayer Leverkusen was widely seen and it's going to keep taking him to higher places. Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager will achieve good results if the management decides to let go of some poor performing players and sign new players to help them get back to their good person if that happens then Xabi Alonso will have his way to bring in his style of play into the team.

[Agathamay]

If Alonso is given some time, then we can definitely expect to see a lot of good things from him. Because Chelsea have a lot of young players and Alonso is very good at developing young players. However, we may see some changes, if everyone in the team is able to adapt very quickly, then maybe we will be able to see Chelsea's improvement very soon. Chelsea's midfield can see a lot of improvement.

Xabi Alonso is manager for Chelsea FC and he's definitely going to do many incredible things at the Bridge next season. It's just time for Xabi Alonso to relaxed and put things in order because the level of challenges he will encounter next season, he would be prepared to face them from now. Todd boehly and co will ensure Xabi Alonso demands are meet because that's how to make a team formidable and straight with winnings games.

Chelsea team need new faces and not just random ones but players with potentials, more like they're getting every hand on every player that's attainable and passionate to play for the club. They already brought in Barco and Palestra, these are promising young players and will do well in the future.

[xzone]

If Alonso is given some time, then we can definitely expect to see a lot of good things from him. Because Chelsea have a lot of young players and Alonso is very good at developing young players. However, we may see some changes, if everyone in the team is able to adapt very quickly, then maybe we will be able to see Chelsea's improvement very soon. Chelsea's midfield can see a lot of improvement.

Well Alonso is a good coach, that is one thing we know based on his past performance, but wether he will do well in Chelsea depends on the clubs co-operation,
There are coaches who performed well but in a team but they move to another and do not perform well. likes of Jose Mourinho when he went to Tottenham.
So his performance is mainly on co-operation more than that of time.

No one can say anything negative about Alonso; I think he's one of the most promising young coaches of recent years. Once he gains a little more experience, he'll become one of the best in the world, and even now, we can say he's among the best.

But Chelsea is a very difficult team right now. Even if expectations aren't high, how successful can he be here? They have a lot of players missing, and I don't think the squad quality is very good

[Adams0001]

Well Alonso is a good coach, that is one thing we know based on his past performance, but wether he will do well in Chelsea depends on the clubs co-operation,
There are coaches who performed well but in a team but they move to another and do not perform well. likes of Jose Mourinho when he went to Tottenham.
So his performance is mainly on co-operation more than that of time.

Some coaches that we see they don’t used to perform more better in another club he can be two reasons, if they don’t have good players in the team the coach will do everything possible to win but he will always struggle and lose matches but know one will look at the players all eyes on the coach. The other one is if your team don’t have good cooperation everything can be going well for the team.

Xabi Alonso was a very good coach when I watch him at Bayer Leverkusen and he really do well is just that he can’t handle Real Madrid very well and that why they sack him from the club. Let see if he can help Chelsea to win a title ext summer.

[Issa56]

In my opinion, Xabi Alonso has a good chance of improving Chelsea’s performance and leading the team to a better position, namely, qualifying for European competition.

I have the believe that Chelsea performance will improve under the management of Alonso. I don’t know the position which Chelsea will end next season, and I don’t know if Alonso will be able to make Chelsea qualify for the champions league next season, but I know if Alonso is given time, he will be able to rebuild Chelsea, and will win trophies for Chelsea, but Chelsea fans will just have to be calm, they shouldn’t be in a rush for instant result from Alonso. He shouldn’t be given the opportunity to sign players which he wants.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I used to like Vinicius a bit before but since the incident of Xabi Alonso and his decision to leave I started disliking Vinicius and started to see who he truly is.
Xabi Alonso is a coach that will barely have a problem with his players, instead he always have a good relationship with his players because his time at Leverkusen he had a pretty good relationship with the players there.
Mbappe supported and it's best to leave the club. He got another at work at Chelsea already and as we all know Chelsea have talented players so it will be lot more easier for him to perform well at Chelsea. As a Chelsea fan I was sad when Maresca was sacked but got happy again when Alonso was appointed. He's good and I'm sure he will make Chelsea better again.

I don't doubt Xabi Alonso's ability, and that's one of Chelsea's great fortunes: they have a coach who can do things very well and take them to the top, just like he did with Leverkusen in Germany. Now, Mourinho is coming to Madrid, and he has much more ego than all the Madrid players combined. Some say Vini will leave Madrid, but I don't believe it. Mourinho will have total authority over the dressing room, and he won't care if a player threatens him. Mourinho is capable of letting Vini go.