Chelsea have undergone a strategic reset this summer, moving away from their development-focused approach with the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager. The 44-year-old, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, is prioritising "emotional control" after a season marred by disciplinary issues and a lack of composure.
Discipline and mentality issues
Chelsea received 11 red cards across all competitions last season, with many problems being self-inflicted. The squad was impetuous, picking up too many bookings for dissent and prone to collapsing under pressure. Alonso, known for his calm playing career, has made addressing this a key focus ahead of Monday's trip to Fulham.
Craven Cottage has been a site of spectacular implosions for Chelsea during the BlueCo era, with Fulham winning 2-1 twice, aided by red cards for João Félix on his debut in 2023 and Marc Cucurella last season.
Shift to experienced signings
The club has targeted ready-made players rather than promising youngsters. Signings include 26-year-old France centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m, and 35-year-old Danny Welbeck from Brighton in a cut-price deal. Jordan Henderson, 36, joined on a free transfer from Brentford.
Welbeck scored 13 league goals for Brighton last season and will provide cover for João Pedro. Henderson, according to Jude Bellingham, is someone coaching staff will always go to when there are problems to resolve. The club also made an unsuccessful attempt to sign 33-year-old Granit Xhaka from Sunderland in June, underlining their desire for leadership.
Off-field instability and player exits
Off the pitch, instability remains with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter looking to sell their stakes to majority shareholder Clearlake Capital. Chelsea need to shift a host of players before the transfer window shuts, and questions hover over Enzo Fernández, who favours a reunion with Enzo Maresca at Manchester City. Fernández has made no secret of his desire to leave, which has underlined a decline in standards.
Alonso needs leaders and trust. His attempts to change Chelsea's mentality are an encouraging first step, but he still has to prove the hype is justified.
