Xabi Alonso can impress the Chelsea hierarchy with his playing style, but silverware is a must in his first season.
That’s the view of Blues legend Michael Essien ahead of another new era at Stamford Bridge.
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Alonso has been announced as the new permanent Chelsea manager on a four-year deal.
The Spaniard previously won the Bundesliga title unbeaten at Bayer Leverkusen before a stint at Real Madrid ended with a surprise exit.
He has become the fifth permanent appointment under the BlueCo ownership since they took charge in the summer of 2022.
Alonso is tasked with restoring Chelsea to a club that competes for the biggest honours in football after a season without success.
When appearing on talkSPORT Drive ahead of Soccer Aid 2026, Essien was asked if he is a fan of Alonso’s appointment.
“Of course,” the two-time Premier League and Champions League winner with Chelsea replied.
“I think when you look back, he’s done well with Leverkusen, things didn’t work out at Madrid. I think it’s a good appointment and we just have to give him all the support, and hopefully he can change things.”
Andy Goldstein then asked him: “What will he have to achieve in his first season to keep the owners happy, do you think?”
“I think it will go down (to) how they’re going to play,” Essien said. “If they start winning, then everyone will start talking about winning a trophy.
“I mean, it’s Chelsea Football Club, they have to at least win a trophy every season.”
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How will Alonso prepare for his first season?
Alonso does not officially begin his tenure as Chelsea manager until July 1.
He is then set to work with players who are not on international duty at the World Cup ahead of their pre-season fixtures.
Chelsea first travel to Australia for friendlies against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.
Juventus and AC Milan are their next opponents in Hong Kong and Indonesia respectively.
They then conclude their tour with a match against Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia.
Chelsea will learn their schedule for the 2026/27 Premier League season when the fixtures are announced on June 19.