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17 May 2026 12:50:47
The Liverpool site has a lot of anger about Alonso joining us but also a lot of negativity aimed towards their manager, owners and SD’s. Very much like the last days of the LR tenure and our SD’s.
17 May 2026 10:36:27
Alonso coming in as manager is a huge statement by the ownership group and just shows what a huge draw we are as one of the world's biggest clubs. Even without Champions League football we can still attract the very best and now we need to kick on. My Liverpool mates are beside themselves that we got him.
17 May 2026 11:33:26
Greenaway, my scouser mates are the same, and you are so correct about CFC being able to sign so called top managers when so many said we couldn't.
Obviously, it begs the question why not do it before, but it also shows that some of our fans' understandable doubts were misplaced.
17 May 2026 12:08:35
Unlike other managers, Alonso will have my 100% support. I think they have done a great job in getting him.
One of the major factors why he left Real was due to players moaning about fitness and how much running he makes them do.
For me, that's what these players require. I think you will see a few players leave as well. It's brought just a little excitement back to being a Chelsea fan.
17 May 2026 12:54:10
Nice to hear that, Nib. I like your passion for the club.
17 May 2026 12:23:17
Greenaway Tom
On the Liverpool site they are now saying they did not really want him and one of their do called ITK's who said Slot was going and Alonso coming, now says he tried to contact last minute but they turned him down, yeah right.
By the way they are still calling us Chelski, perhaps somebody should tell them we have been under American ownership for 4 years now, perhaps ED001, you can enlighten them.
{Ed001's Note - would you rather be known for Roman's ownership or what is happening currently? I would say it is more of a compliment that you did so well under him people still think of you that way.}
17 May 2026 13:12:09
Bill, after yesterday's disappointment I'm enjoying today's bit of fun.
17 May 2026 13:34:42
Fair enough ED001, I will take any compliments that come our way.
{Ed001's Note - I am sure in time they will give over with the Chelski stuff and find a new nickname. I am just glad the rent boy crap is rarely seen now.}
17 May 2026 15:02:56
Bill, the scousers are in meltdown, mate. They want Slot out and are in dismay that Alonso has chosen to join us when they thought he was waiting for them. The fact that Alonso is also appointed Manager as opposed to Head Coach is also very significant. I'm utterly delighted.
17 May 2026 17:41:03
Greenaway
I have to admit I was really worried we would be left with Silva.
17 May 2026 18:33:42
Bill, so was I. Credit to the owners for making the right decision and moving so quickly.
17 May 2026 08:16:05
The boys tried their hardest but there was just no tactical plan in place, it was as if they just went out and played the game they love as we all did and maybe still do when at school.
When Alonso is appointed I won't mention Maresca again but if Maresca had been pacified and kept in place until the end of this season we would of qualified for the Champions League and may well of won at least one pot as well.
As it is we will have no European football unless we scrape into the Conference League.
7 losses in a row going back to 2019 in domestic finals is piss poor as well with that loss to Liverpool's under 7 side under that serial loser Pochetino being the hardest to take.
17 May 2026 07:41:18
So, it looks like Alonso is our new manager and like all our managers he will get my 100% support.
It now looks likely that my No1 choice (Hoeness) will be going to Liverpool.
I guess it goes to show how impossible it is to make all football clubs supporters happy because the Liverpool supporters I know all wanted Alonso and had never heard of Hoeness.
Anyway, if managers are successful then fans love them and everything else is soon conveniently forgotten.
17 May 2026 09:42:11
Tom, tbh, I had never heard of Hoeness until you mentioned him, and none of my Chelsea mates knew who he was.
17 May 2026 09:47:50
I started mentioning him two seasons ago. So, my mates are fed up with me saying he was my No1 choice.
17 May 2026 07:20:41
So I didn't get to watch the final yesterday. It's been another poor season but this morning I find myself feeling more optimistic.
With Alonso becoming "manager".
It had me think back to 2018 when we lifted the FA Cup against Man United. Another close 1-0 game.
The only bits I remember was my son being young. Although his 4th visit to Wembley.
We go in the stadium, I brought 2 pints (instead of having to wait again). And the little brat wanted to go to his seat 🤣. Obviously no beer pitch side.
So I gave one away and downed the other. To go sit in our seats and he wouldn't move from that spot. 1.5 hours before kickoff 🤦♂️. Sun beaming down all day on my big bald head.
The next bit I remember was him crying and screaming at Conte to bring on Willian as, we was up against it.
It was the first time I have really seen him emotional in a game.
The final whistle goes, Wembley erupts, I turn to my son and he is being thrown into the air by a random stranger. Massive smile on his face with tears streaming down his face.
So my point is it wasn't really the football that made me happy. It was the day with my boy with that memory imprinted on my brain.
Just thinking of this, this morning and a far more credible manager being chosen. Gives me hope for being optimistic.
I hope a lot of you are and let's get behind Chelsea for the rest of this season, next season and forever.
It's not always about the ownership, team, players. I genuinely think that even if we lost that final to Man U. The day we had. His emotions would of still imprinted on my memories.
17 May 2026 09:05:11
Finchy, nice post.
17 May 2026 15:21:24
Finchy, very nice memories.
My first FA Cup final, I knocked myself sparko with excitement after we equalised.
17 May 2026 16:13:16
How on earth did you do that.
17 May 2026 16:37:52
We equalised. My dad was outside, and I ran out, jumping in the air to tell him, and jumped up into the door frame. Everything after that is a blank.
I just remember waking up in my dad's arms with a massive lump on the top of my head.
17 May 2026 07:16:06
Morning blues,
Disappointed about the result, we gave it a go and just came up short, I also thought we should of had a pen on Hato.
Great news about Alonso, I'm very happy, I wanted either him or Iraola, I'm also happy that he is apparently a Manager rather than a head coach, looks like the owners are learning from there mistakes and aren't afraid to change.
I'm looking forward to next season already.
Let's just hope this post doesn't make me look stupid in 6 months time!
17 May 2026 09:47:09
I have been critical of the owners, but credit to them for the appointment of Alonso, and for getting it done quickly. This gives Alonso plenty of time to sort out practical things (living arrangements etc), and for him to plan how to turn the team into winners.
None of us know how this will pan out, but for the first time in a while I am hopeful about next season.
17 May 2026 07:39:16
{Ed's Note - YoungBlue2001 has posted a new article entitled, A Supporter’s Case Against the SFA’s Standards
16 May 2026 18:43:48
Alonso all but officially announced, 4 year deal.
Offers real hope to feel optimistic for the future. Additions are definitely needed, but I think the core of our squad is very well set up for the way he wants to play. This about as optimistic as I could feel about the club after this past season.
Hopefully West Ham can pull a result out of the bag tomorrow (shuddered a bit then) and we can stick Spurs up against it on Tuesday. Then we have next season to look forward to - and another Conference League win for the kids.
16 May 2026 19:42:50
Can I also say, I hope this hire is a sign that the owners have accepted that their project wasn't working, and it needed change. It's not that easy for people like them to admit when they're wrong, especially in the face of such public scrutiny. Credit where credit is due for this appointment.
Let's hope it puts us in a place where everyone associated with the club can move onwards and upwards together. Whatever the motivations, it's in the interests of both fans and owners for the team to be successful on the pitch.
16 May 2026 21:10:32
Giving him the title of manager instead of head coach is further evidence of a huge shift from the owners.
16 May 2026 21:28:47
He is not my first choice, but I also can't say I'm upset with his appointment.
I am very pleased that the decision makers have acted swiftly. It also looks as if Alonso will have an important say in player signings. I think that is a change that most fans will welcome.
I hope he is our manager for the next ten years.
16 May 2026 21:56:35
If this is true about Alonso, I am very happy. It indicates a change of approach by the owners. It will also help us attract top players to the club. Who knows how it will work out, but at least I will go into next season with some hope.
16 May 2026 22:38:10
Have to say I'm pleased by the appointment. Detractors will point to RM, but he had a 70% win rate when he was sacked. Also don't think he'll be wedded to 3 at the back, so I think we'll see a mixture or 4/3 at the back depending on the game. Just need a good summer of recruitment to get off to a good start.
16 May 2026 22:58:22
Think it's a massive statement getting him onboard. What he achieved at Leverkusen was simply unbelievable. I hope he is allowed to manage the team the way he wants, and gets the players in we need.
16 May 2026 23:08:19
Fuser, his Madrid spell is no reflection on his ability as a coach. A team of divas. Some of the players have come out and have supported him. That they have re-appointed Mourinho speaks volumes. We don't have that level of issues in our squad, but some of them lack mentality and need to go.
17 May 2026 00:50:47
Agree, J! The fact the ownership has shown a willingness to change the model, however small, is a hugely positive sign. This year has turned a lot more supporters against them, who had otherwise shown patience for the "project".
In saying that, if Xabi has more control over recruitment, I expect some people are up for being sacked.
17 May 2026 06:01:53
Can but hope this marks an upturn in our fortunes, by suggesting we need to build a winning team for now, not 2030. Perhaps some SD exits. This should help boost morale of the squad. Just hope Alonso's affections for Liverpool can transfer to Chelsea.
.
17 May 2026 06:46:30
I don't expect to see any SD exits, but I do hope they'll be less publicly prominent. More of a behind-the-scenes scouting network, leaving the day-to-day management of the first team to Alonso.
17 May 2026 08:09:55
Agree, J, with the role that any SDs should play is to search out talent for positions the manager believes should be filled, not just presenting the head coach with players he may not have had any role in choosing.
17 May 2026 08:22:32
My guess is Maresca was part of conversations that took place last summer about players. My point then, and still, remains: who has the final say and who is ultimately responsible? Having input doesn't mean you get what you want.
I would also suggest that this will still be the case with Alonso in charge.
I get the consensus theory, but I want a single person in charge.
17 May 2026 13:00:39
J, like you, I expect the SDs to stay and focus on recruiting the players that Alonso wants. Jimbo and Fuser, you are totally correct about his stay at RM. A 70% win rate is very acceptable.
This is a seismic appointment and sends a very clear message to the players, fans and all connected with the club.
17 May 2026 15:01:43
I don't know enough about stats, particularly Spanish stats. I'm not sure RM would find a 70% win rate acceptable. What's his win ratio in league games? My guess is a general league campaign for RM and Barcelona would be closer to an 80% win ratio.
I am not a fan of stats.
{Ed001's Note - it was a higher win ratio than Carlo Ancelotti managed with them.}
17 May 2026 15:28:10
Ed01, is that for league games? I can only see him managing RM for 34 games and I have no idea how many were league matches?
{Ed001's Note - his league win ratio was about 74% I think.}
17 May 2026 15:35:04
Bloody hell, that is good.
16 May 2026 18:30:02
New York Times confirming 4 year deal agreed and signed. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi Alonso!
16 May 2026 16:49:36
The initial names that have to clear out are Fofana, Sanchez, Gusto and Delap. Overall the team put it far more effort than far more times this year and it's a shame that they're only willing to turn up in games they feel are important.
Levi's return is as good as any signing, and if we are going to play Reece in the middle more often, it's right to know two blokes who bleed blue and have exceptional passing range will control a lot of the build up.
16 May 2026 17:59:32
Sadly, I think Chalaboa will be sold rather than Fofana. Delap will be a loan, but I hope Gusto is sold. Sanchez will stay, but Jorgensen will be let go.
16 May 2026 18:07:42
Tom,
Can I ask why you think Sanchez will be kept and Delap only loaned?
I would keep Chabs and let Fofana go.
I would also sell Garnacho, Guiu, Lavia, Badiashile, Tosin.
All this with the caveat, any decisions should be down to the new head coach.
16 May 2026 18:15:04
I think Sanchez will be seen more as competition for Pinders.
I can't see them giving up on Delap so soon, as his season never really got going because of injuries and suspensions. Of course, if a club comes in for him with a big offer, then I guess he will be sold.
I do think Guiu, Badiashile and Tosin will all be playing for a different club next season.
I can't see Lavia being sold.
16 May 2026 18:40:21
Sorry, goodbye Gusto as well.
16 May 2026 23:52:13
I would be fine letting Chalobah go... he's just simply not good enough - we may even need 2 cbs, Levi, the only one that fills me with any confidence.
Hato, Achampong - I would keep, as I see potential.
Sarr, Anselmino - no idea tbh, need to see them play a bit more.
Fofana - I think his injuries have disrupted his development, as he seemed destined to be top level at one point.
Chalobah, Badiashile - not good enough now, then and forever.
17 May 2026 07:38:43
I would sell Sanchez, Chalaboah, Gusto, Badiashille, Garnacho, Tosin, Guiu.
And, partly for raising funds, I would sell Enzo Fernandez, one of our better players, but a hand thrower upper when things go wrong, but no doubt the new manager will have his ideas.
I would also, to be one of the few, not only keep Delap; I would play him more.
17 May 2026 09:12:24
Seymns, I think, with the new CF coming in, the opportunities for Delap could well be limited, but, like you, I can see a player in Delap. I think a loan gives an option for him and the club.