Xabi Alonso should be delighted so far that Chelsea are backing his tactics and system when it comes to players they are looking to sign in the transfer market.
It was seen as quite the coup for the Blues to announce the hiring of Alonso after a dismal season where they finished 10th in the Premier League.
One of the biggest criticisms sent the way of the club was the lacking of backing to previous managers in the transfer market. Enzo Maresca famously didn’t get a centre-back after the serious injury suffered by Levi Colwill.
RATE 1️⃣-🔟: Is Marco Palestra a good signing?
Serie A's Best Defender of 2025-26.
Chelsea are signing players specifically for Xabi Alonso’s system
Chelsea are already pushing hard for defensive reinforcements this summer, having already agreed a deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra following a recommendation from Alonso.
They are also advancing on the potential signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, and the duo look set to be perfect fits for the incoming manager.
Alonso’s best spell in charge of a club was at Bayer Leverkusen, where he dethroned Bayern Munich on the path to winning the treble.
He optimised a back three system, and all the signs are pointing towards him using that formation when he gets to work at Stamford Bridge.
Both Palestra and Lacroix would be coming from sides who have used the back three model, meaning they would not be needing to learn a completely system upon their arrivals.
After years of not doing this, Chelsea are finally appearing to back a manager based on the system he plays, which is a massive green flag that they are about to give him the backing he needs.
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Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
Alonso is getting the backing Maresca never did at Chelsea
Former Blues boss Maresca will feel as if he was constantly handed players he was forced to shoehorn into his side.
After asking for an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson in the striker position, the club delivered Joao Pedro, who had previously played in other roles rather than as a number nine.
Liam Delap was also brought in, although clearly he is not an upgrade on what the club already had at their disposal.
It is only the start, but Chelsea fans should be confident the club are willing to give the backing supporters have been crying out for a manager to get for a number of years.
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