Chelsea worries still in play thanks to BlueCo as Xabi Alonso is appointed
Chelsea have been fortunate to convince Xabi Alonso to become their next manager, according to Keith Wyness.
The former Everton chief executive, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes Alonso will bring a “change of culture” to the club.
Alonso has been appointed on a four-year deal, and will start work at Stamford Bridge in July, with Calum McFarlane continuing to take charge of the team until the end of the season.
The Spaniard will bring greater managerial pedigree to the club than his inexperienced predecessor Liam Rosenior, who was only manager of the west London side for 107 days.
Chelsea’s ownership faced pressure during the managerial search, as Alonso becomes their third boss of the year.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBChelsea ‘might finally have got it right’ with Xabi Alonso
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – makes comparisons between Chelsea’s owners and Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes that Alonso is going to have to be “strong” to succeed at Chelsea.
| Games Managed | 174 |
| Games Won | 113 |
| Games Drawn | 36 |
| Games Lost | 25 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We’re going to see a change in culture to a stronger manager, somebody who’s going to bring in some more experience within the squad, and they might finally get it right.
“As I say, Jim Ratcliffe has got lucky at Man United. I think Chelsea could get lucky as well with Xabi Alonso.
“There’s a lot of interference and tinkering up there that still worries me. So Xabi’s going to have to be pretty strong to be able to do his job.”
Xabi Alonso will have clear aim as Chelsea manager
As sources told Football Insider, Chelsea also spoke to Andoni Iraola and Frank Lampard before appointing Alonso as their next manager.
It looks like Alonso will instead go up against both managers in the Premier League next season, with Iraola linked with a move to Crystal Palace, and Lampard at newly promoted Coventry.
Alonso will be tasked with making sure Chelsea compete for a top five spot, and qualify for the Champions League to improve their finances.
The Blues’ new boss is sure to have a busy summer transfer window, with multiple positions needing to be strengthened.
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