Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has fully backed Xabi Alonso to get things right and lead the team into contention next season.
Chelsea have had a dreadful campaign, finishing 19th, which means the club will not participate in any European competitions. On paper, this is a disastrous outcome for a club that has invested heavily in recent years, with reports showing they have spent more than any other Premier League side since the new owners took over.
Alternatively, some believe that a season without European football—playing just one game a week on average—could help the club reset and rebuild. The arrival of Xabi Alonso as the new manager has also boosted belief that the team can challenge in the next phase.
The Spaniard agreed to take over at Chelsea amid interest from other clubs, and the move is seen as a major coup. However, fans can be impatient and will expect no excuses next season, especially with the reduced fixture load.
While the jury is still out on Alonso, former Chelsea star Marcel Desailly firmly believes in the new manager’s ability to deliver results. Speaking to TeamTalk, the French World Cup winner expressed full confidence in Alonso and offered detailed praise.
When asked whether Alonso was the right appointment, Desailly said, “This time, yes.
“Because Bayer Leverkusen was a family club. What they achieved happens once every 10 years at a club where nobody expects it—going through the Bundesliga with strong management. So he has shown great skills and great ability there.
“But when I say Chelsea is a perfect club for him… look at when Chelsea started this project of buying young players. They initially brought in Mauricio Pochettino to lead it. Pochettino is a top coach, but he wasn’t given time. He wants immediate success; he doesn’t want to just develop players. He needs players who are already at the required level within his system. Afterwards, Chelsea had different types of coaches.
“But for Alonso, I feel he’s the perfect coach who can handle top-class players—without the overwhelming numbers he dealt with at Real Madrid—but who can also develop talent. You can already see it at Chelsea.”
“There are around nine players in the squad who still need development,” Desailly added. “Joao Pedro still needs guidance. Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer as well. The attack should be built around these players.
“The defence also needs guidance. Are any of them automatic starters for their national teams? No. That means there is still room for progression, and Alonso is the ideal coach to help them reach their potential.”
Alonso will need backing from the club to bring in players who fit the squad’s current needs, rather than focusing solely on future prospects. In recent years, Chelsea have prioritised young talent for long-term development while largely overlooking immediate requirements.
There is growing optimism around Chelsea following Alonso’s appointment, but his true impact will only become clear once the new season begins. On paper, he should be capable of guiding this team into contention. Another disappointing season, however, would raise serious questions about both the squad and the manager.
