Second half of the season

[Young_blue]

Dear fellow Chelsea fans,

Chelsea Football Club, founded in 1905, has long stood as one of the most respected institutions in world football. It is deeply concerning to witness what feels like a steady decline in the club’s identity, structure, and competitive standards.

The current leadership approach raises serious questions. Decisions appear inconsistent and, at times, disconnected from the traditions and footballing philosophy that once defined Chelsea Football Club. Historically, this was a club that attracted elite managers—figures such as José Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, and Carlo Ancelotti—individuals who commanded authority and shaped the direction of the team.

There was even a time when André Villas-Boas was considered insufficiently experienced for the role. Today, however, the managerial appointments suggest a noticeable shift in standards and expectations. It increasingly appears that the head coach has limited influence, with key decisions being driven elsewhere. This raises a fundamental question: which top-level coach would willingly accept such constraints?

The continued retention of the current leadership structure, despite underwhelming results, is difficult to understand. Concerns have been raised regarding the influence of Behdad Eghbali and the overarching footballing direction. It seems that managers who challenge this approach—such as Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca—struggle to operate effectively within the system.

Most importantly, one must acknowledge the loyal supporters. Match-going fans, in particular, invest significant time, money, and emotional energy, and deserve to see a team that reflects the club’s proud heritage. Even as an overseas supporter, the frustration and disappointment are deeply felt.

At this point, constructive reflection and accountability are essential. Supporters naturally want what is best for the club, and many feel that meaningful change is necessary to restore Chelsea to its former stature. Engagement, dialogue, and responsible decision-making will be key to rebuilding trust and ensuring a stronger future.

Kind Regards
Young_Blue

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[aindro]

I plan to watch the FA Cup final at a friend but I am considering it now. I am not sure it will be worth it. I am considering not watching at all, kinda know the result already. We cannot beat at home a second string Nottingham Forest. Come on!!! Are we kidding ourselves to say that we have a chance against City?

These 3-4 years have proven that the approach that our owners implements does not work in a Premier League club. It has worked in the MLB. But not in Premier League. I am deeply disappointed and I start to have a very negative thought that our club could get a point-deduction next season as we don’t meet the financial objective. We won’t qualify for Europe next season. We may need to sell our assets or worse our players. Unless the approach change, I can’t see our team will amount to anything but to go down deeper and deeper.

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[notorious bingo]

it looks like you got hicks&gillete on your hands

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[Blues1967]

Yes, it’s official – hot off the press from the official Chelsea Website. Alonso IS the new Chelsea manager commencing 1 July 2026.

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/xabi-alonso-appointed-chelsea-manager

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[aindro]

It’s been more than 2 weeks I haven’t posted here. I think because I see that nothing is interesting anymore for our season. This season is a BIG FAILURE. I just hope that our owner BlueCo will learn from these repeated failures. Xabi Alonso to Chelsea, while he may be the best candidate possible for us, I still cannot avoid to think that BlueCo appointed him very quickly just to snatch him away from Liverpool as they haven’t decided yet what to do with Slot.

As predicted, we lost the FA Cup final. I decided to watch the match. I think City were the better team. We should have had at least a penalty but still City were a deserved winner. Looking a bit far for the next season, my hope is that we can qualify for Europa (wishful thinking) or for Conference League (a very realistic chance) so that we’ll still have European matches to get more money and to give players experience to play in Europe.

Rumors say Alonso wants:
– Maignan (I disagree, too old)
– Tapsoba (I agree, he is a giant for Leverkusen and someone Alonso can trust)
– Osimhen (Obviously I agree, we should have bought him long time ago)

And the ones rumoured to be sold:
– Delap (I agree, I don’t think he is good enough for Chelsea)

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[Ed de Goey]

If someone like Ancelotti wasn’t available, then I feel that Alonso was the best option to go for, and it’s encouraginng to hear that he will get a level of control which exceeds what Rosenior/Maresca had, particularly in the transfer department. It’s the first managerial appointment made my Blueco that I feel I can get behind.

Regarding transfers –

We need a top class GK, a new CB to play with Colwill (Levi has been excellent since coming back) and a striker.

Osimhen would be an excellent option and I hope we didn’t burn our bridges last time round when we negotiated right down to the wire a few transfer windows ago.

Maignan…. agree with Aindro, a bit on the older side but I guess if we can get 2/3 years out of him that would be fine, especially if Penders is brought back and fulfils the potential apparently the club sees in him. I did, distressingly, read that Pickford was being considered – that would be disastrous as he’s rubbish.

CB – I’m not sure. We need someone experienced and quality to play alongside Colwill. If we are going to do 3 CBs as Alonso has done in the past, then we need 2 CBs. Acheampong is good, but still green and the other CBs (Colwill excepted) are not good enough.

Outgoings – I wouldn’t miss Garnacho, Delap, Neto, Chalobah, Tosin, Sanchez, Jorgensen, Disasi, Badiashille, Gittens etc. But if we did offload that lot, they would also need some level of replacement.

Aindro – I understand your apathy, I feel it too. But at least Blueco have done something right and seem to have changed philosophy towards the Manager role. Let’s see if they can stick with it though – my hopes are slim as they seem pigheaded and totally capricious, but one can still live in hope.

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[notorious bingo]

I wouldn´t worry about Alonso, he has kept up a 70% win ratio at two different clubs and has also played under some of the best managers in the world during his career.

I´m a Liverpool fan but I don´t think Alonso has ever shown the club any kind of loyalty, I loved him as a player but he has turned down the club too many times to be considered loyal.

Having said that he is a smart dude, he knows the pressure system, he knows the league. I actually feel like he is the right choice for you because he is not afraid of upsetting players.

Very pragmatic in his approach but I do feel like you could have done a bit better but when you consider your recent manager he has to have more to his name than most. Who would you respect as a player, Liam Rosenior trying to tell you what works or a World Champion, telling you this is how you win a World Cup?

I feel like your manager got authority again and I am gonna tip you for a top 4 finish next season, Alonso will know how to unlock Palmer again.

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[Ed de Goey]

Thanks for the comment Bingo. Alonso was unlucky at Real Madrid, where he had a good win %. That squad, however, is full of egos and by that I mean, wankers.

I know we all like the concept of fairy tales of club legends coming back to manage our clubs to success (We tried with Frank) but things are increasingly transactional these days and I don’t hold anything against former players doing what they think is right for their own career when they become managers.

And I agree, we have personalities that crave a proven winner which Rosenior was not. Rosenior was the budget option which fit the ‘moneyball’ model.

Thanks again for a non-partisan contribution. I hope Alonso does well and I believe he has the attributes to do so if he really is empowered as the reports suggest.

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[notorious bingo]

That’s the thing, I don’t think it would work under Frank Lampard, he is too close to the club. Alonso just needs to set an example as soon as he arrives so nobody challenges him. I’m quite curious to see how he will do but I would still prefer a more experienced manager

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[aindro]

Ed de Goey: all remains to be seen. I’ll believe when I see it. Not to be negative, but I won’t be surprised if Alonso will later get frustrated and then angry to the owners not to back him up. Like Maresca not so long ago. I don’t like crying over spoilt milk but now with Pep gone and Maresca comes to City: he should have been ours. He wasn’t bad; we were 5th when BlueCo decided to part company with him. I live in North America but not in the US and I know how misinformed and how stubborn Americans are. I believe our owners aren’t exception. I expect along the way Alonso will face the same treatment as our previous managers/head coaches from our owners.

I do agree though that at least something is different. Manager, not a head coach. And supposedly Alonso will have more say in the transfer fronts. With us missing the Champions League qualification, I think the morale won’t be the same. And I don’t know the mathematics or the accounting behind but I won’t be surprised if we’ll have to sell some players to balance the book. For me at the moment: every player is sellable as long as the price is right. Probably except Reece James as the team is really different when he plays. And Moises Caicedo who just signed an extension. Palmer who often looks disinterested, the best performers this season Enzo & Joao Pedro who flirt with Spanish teams, Cucurella who flirts with Barcelona: everybody is sellable. The price has to be right though.

I would though prioritize to sell Chalobah (as he is academy product, 100% profit) and Wesley Fofana (as he is amongst our highest earners). Xabi Alonso will need to rebuild our defense and I see no other way than to buy a world class centre-back to be paired with Colwill. Other players in the top list to sell are Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Badiashile, Disasi, Guiu, Datro Fofana, …. The list is long. I hope Alonso to be given freedom to form his own team.

If Liverpool decide to sack Slot, next season would really be interesting. New managers at Man City, Chelsea, and probably Liverpool.

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[aindro]

Wowsers! I will switch off my TV. This is bad for my mental health. 2-0 SUN & we played without soul. Really bad. Hope that all players who want to leave will leave and bring us cash to buy players who want to play for Chelsea if any

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[notorious bingo]

The problem Alonso has is identifying a 25 man squad, you got too many players, that hurts morale. I don´t think he can afford to jump ship, he needs to follow the blueprint but he wants his say on it of course.

I think Xabi might have found the right club for himself, cause I am pretty sure the average Chelsea fan knows there is a lot of work to do before you start contesting for the league title again. There is less pressure on him at Chelsea than at Liverpool for example.

A good next season for you guys would be a top 4 finish with guaranteed Champions League football, with a manager with a around 70% win ration you can actually expect that to happen.

Like I said earlier he played a very unorthodox system with Leverkusen, that system might actually suit you guys. Then he never tried to enforce his tactics on the Real Madrid side but still kept up his win ratio. He knows the league and is very eager to prove himself again.

I doubt he would take up the position if he had any thoughts in particular about management or how you go around things, he must have told his opinion and be backed up by that.

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[Ed de Goey]

Aindro – it was another shoddy performance. I expect a lot of leavers this summer.

Bingo – that’s a fair assessment. He will be under less pressure, and certainly I’m not expecting miracles next season. A top 4 finish would be an excellent outcome.

In a roundabout way, not having European football might serve him well – he will have more time with the team to train them and adapt the players to his system. We sure as hell didn’t need Conference League football again.

I’m also quite sure he took the job knowing full well we might not be in Europe.

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[notorious bingo]

31 players, including Mudryk and Jackson for example. Felix is still under contract with you somehow, if you guys get rid of these players. Jackson is alright though and if you get some good strikers in I would expect you to compete actually, your defense is not that bad, neither is your midfield but you lack everything going forward. There is no presence in the box…

That´s just the first team, I have no idea how big your reserves are but I expect that squad to be much larger than the norm.

Is Nkunku at the club? Cause Jackson, Mudryk, Felix and him must be the highest paid forwards at the club. He is at loan…

You can´t even blame the players, the manager or anyone, there is such mismanagement at the club I don´t know anything about it.

That new owner has to learn his lesson sooner rather than later and start trusting football people to take the decisions.

If Alonso manages to get you back into the Champions League and then starts building side, he should in theory be able to compete in the Champions League in a few years.

The league itself has posted its own script for the next 10 years, they aim to have at least 6 different winners in that time frame. I find it hilarious to post that! I´m guessing they have a way to equal the league somehow.

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[aindro]

First and foremost, I don’t think there’s less presure at Chelsea than at Liverpool. Xabi Alonso or anyone else. True that Liverpool have more history than Chelsea but Chelsea won more in the modern time than Liverpool. Liverpool haven’t had manager changes like Chelsea. Houllier stayed for 6 years, Rafa Benitez for 6 years, Klopp for 9 years. Chelsea? How many managers stayed that long since 1900s? 0 I guess the answer.

And no, I don’t think so. While Mudryk is still at the club, Nkunku & Joao Felix aren’t Chelsea players anymore. And with no European football, I think Alonso should be given the freedom to trim the squad. Anyway we’re not sure where Chelsea are with the FFP. I hope that we won’t get any point deductions for the next season.

Reece James & Wesley Fofana are the highest salary at Chelsea. While James while not injured largely deserves his salary, I don’t think the same can be said for Fofana. If we want to reduce the salary burden, Wesley Fofana should be the first one to be sold. Next ones are Enzo Fernandez & Cucurella. I expected both of them to be at another club next season as they’ve flirted already this season with Spanish clubs. And with Chelsea missed the UCL spot: I think they will request a transfer.

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