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• Xabi Alonso • Cesc Fabregas • Felipe Luis • Andoni Iraola Who’s your pick?

A notable line in the Liam Rosenior farewell message on the club website mentioned “self-reflection.” If, after all that reflection, they end up appointing someone like Iraola, Silva, Howe, or a similar profile, then honestly, you couldn’t blame any player for wanting to leave. If those in charge, so heavily driven by data, fail to recognize that Chelsea aren’t the league’s strongest running side, that the players responded best to a possession based coach in training, and that the team’s most successful period also came under that style, then the logical step would be to appoint another possession oriented manager, someone with authority and respect. If they can’t grasp something that fundamental, then no matter how many managers they cycle through, they’re unlikely to get it right.

Xabi Alonso suits the squad. Built for control more than anything, even under Maresca we controlled 70% of games even those that were against the big teams, Xabi built Leverkusen off that. Iraola coming in will mean the squad needs a major surgery to change the midfield composition completely to his intense style, but with the right midfield signing to add legs and CB signing with the correct wingers and attackers, Xabi can work with this squad. Cesc does suit the squad too well but it will take time too and I don't want this ownership to mess up a promising coaching career. Nagglesman can also work with this squad, same things he needs with the wingers and CBs and midfield signings. Anyone that comes would require the right signings and power for their vision and not half hearted buy in. Especially the top ones.