Chelsea

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Whether Xabi Alonso starts with a back four or back five, this shape is fluid. He has shapes he looks for during certain parts of the game and asks players with the appropriate skillset to move into specific positions within that shape.

For example, higher up the pitch, Alonso often looks to place five players on the last line of attack, who then take it in turn to drop deep and show for the ball. These five players can be arranged in a number of ways.

This can be with two wing-backs and three narrow attackers from a back-five formation, if the wing-backs are strong in attack.

Starting in a four-at-the-back system, it can be done with one full-back and one winger on either flank - with any combination of three midfielders or attackers playing centrally.

With Chelsea opting for a back five against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and at times under Liam Rosenior, they do possess players capable of playing either shape.

Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto have moved from full-back or wing-back positions into central attacking positions higher up the pitch under both Enzo Maresca and Rosenior, something Alonso might utilise.

The likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, although natural wingers, have also played as wing-backs.

Geovany Quenda of Sporting, set to join Chelsea this summer, is an exciting young wide player too - capable of playing as a winger and wing-back.

Alonso might opt to use him in a similar fashion to Frimpong at Leverkusen, closer to the touchline and alternating between full-back, wing-back and winger.

Read more on tactics Alonso could use with the Blues here

Chelsea are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, with the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international having previously worked under incoming boss Xabi Alonso. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a bid for Blues defender Marc Cucurella. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso wants his sides to dominate the ball, setting up attacks in opponents' halves for long periods.

In possession, he wants his teams to focus on playing many short passes in opponents' halves.

By positioning themselves close to their team-mates, Alonso's sides cluster around the ball allowing them to press in numbers if they lose possession. This allows them to win it back quickly and continue to apply attacking pressure.

Through these small-space interactions between his players, the centre of the pitch can become crowded - but this is a deliberate quirk of Alonso's system.

From a squad-building perspective, Alonso will be looking for technical players who thrive in small spaces, allowing his team to unlock defences' stubborn low blocks.

Despite having a general attacking structure, Alonso has been seen granting players with exceptional talent creative freedom within his set-up.

Florian Wirtz, at Leverkusen, was allowed to roam across the width of the pitch, and his quality between the lines made him the perfect profile of player for Alonso's approach.

Although less suited to playing in very small spaces, there is the potential for Alonso to trust a player of Cole Palmer's quality with a more free role.

Read more on how Alonso might set his new side up here

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Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have confirmed their full pre-season tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which will end with a match against Johor Darul Ta'zim at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Malaysia.

The fixture on 11 August is one of only two played by the Blues - who will be led by new manager Xabi Alonso - against local opposition in that country.

Remarkably, the Johor-based club are on a 108-game unbeaten run in the league - the joint longest in world football history.

The match will also see Alonso face his former Liverpool team-mate Luis Garcia, who is chief executive of the Malaysian side.

The tour begins in Australia against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Chelsea will then face Tottenham in Sydney before travelling to Hong Kong, where they play Juventus and AC Milan in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.

Alonso begins work on 1 July and will be unveiled to the media shortly after.

He will then train with the available players at Cobham for a couple of weeks before leaving London on 24 July and arriving in Australia on 25 July to begin the tour.

There remains a possibility Chelsea will add another domestic friendly closer to when the 2026-27 Premier League season begins on 22 August.

Danny Murphy believes Chelsea will prosper if they recruit some experience for new manager Xabi Alonso to work with next season.

"The experience he's had at Madrid will help him massively, it didn't go as smoothly as he would have liked there," said Murphy on Match of the Day.

"He did a brilliant job at Leverkusen, he's an intelligent man.

"He's going to play the right type of football that Chelsea fans want to see, the players will enjoy working with him. It makes sense for a progressive club.

"The biggest thing for Chelsea is not actually who they appointed as manager, the biggest thing is changing tact on their transfer policy, because unless they get a bit of experience and a bit more know-how, they'll see more of the same."

Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart insists that Alonso is in a position of strength when he joins his new club in July.

Hart acknowledged the mistakes the 44-year-old Spaniard made at Madrid, but says Alonso would have been assured of resources at his disposal for success in London.

"You've got to learn from your mistakes, it's only a mistake if you don't learn from it," added Hart.

"You've got to keep pushing and I'm sure Alonso is in a position of strength and when he interviewed he would have had his demands if you like - 'If you want me to come and take over this club, you have to do this, this and this if you want success.'

"I don't think he would have signed the contract if he wasn't assured of that."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

We asked for your views on Chelsea's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur's on Tuesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: Great result, you could see the tiredness in the lads after Saturday. Really looking forward to the new manager coming in and working with these players - some will leave and hopefully a couple of experienced players get signed up. Roll on Sunday.

Marco: It comes as no surprise that the only match where we turn up, even in the midst of the most rotten form in a long time, is against Spurs. This says more about Tottenham than Chelsea, because Chelsea certainly did their best to throw away a two-goal lead.

Nick: Fantastic result, and it just goes to show the impact a positive mindset can have on a young team like Chelsea. I really hope Enzo stays, he's a difference maker and a fighter. It may not be a popular opinion but I think he's a better leader on the pitch than Reece James.

Gary: I thought we played OK. We looked a bit jaded in patches but the fight and the spirit was back. Here's hoping for a turn around for next season under the new manager.

James: Chelsea goals were great but big improvements needed. The record over Tottenham is phenomenal. Alonso will have his work cut out.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in England forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, as rival clubs prepare to capitalise on West Ham's financial problems if they are relegated by targeting their best players. (Guardian), external

Barcelona have cooled their interest in Atletico Madrid's Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, 26, and will instead pursue a move for 24-year-old Chelsea and Brazil forward Joao Pedro. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Fernandez once again demonstrated his importance to Chelsea with the superb strike that set them on their way to a victory crucial in their quest to reach Europe.

The Argentina World Cup winner was at the centre of controversy earlier this season during the ill-fated reign of Liam Rosenior, receiving a two-game internal ban for giving an interview in which he openly questioned his long-term future at Chelsea.

If his future might have been in doubt, what is not in question is his quality and influence when fully focused.

If new manager Xabi Alonso can get Fernandez on board with the latest new era at Stamford Bridge, he will instantly have a potent weapon amid what remains a talented, if underachieving squad.

Chelsea now travel to Sunderland on the final day of the season after their first home win under interim head coach Calum McFarlane with European qualification in their sights after this deserved win.

Chelsea's interim head coach Calum McFarlane, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The result was the most important thing. I thought we played really well.

"We were struggling with energy and intensity after Saturday. We needed to fight and stick together and I thought we did that really well.

"We haven't been able to plan because of the quick turnaround. Saturday was emotional because we were in the game. It's about switching off on the Sunday, coming in for one day to prep for Tottenham, who are fighting for their lives. We had to match them with fight, grit and determination."

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was only 48 hours to prepare, it was difficult, especially after a final but we go again.

"We knew if we got six points in the next two games, then we would qualify for Europe. I think it was good. We knew Spurs would come with energy. Obviously, they're fighting for their lives."

On Xabi Alonso becoming new Chelsea manager: "It's good. I'm very happy and the boys are as well. It's good to see we'll have a bit of stability for the future and pre-season. I know what a great manager he is, so I can't wait to work with him."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have won their first Premier League match since March (4-1 v Aston Villa), having failed to win any of their last seven matches in the competition prior to this evening.

• Now eight games unbeaten, this is Chelsea's longest home unbeaten run in Premier League London derbies since a run of 13 between January 2013 and May 2015.

Chelsea have denied Tottenham the chance of securing Premier League survival before the final game of the season by beating them 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

It also means Chelsea remain unbeaten in their final home game of the season for 24 seasons.

How are you feeling after that performance? A good way to sign off this season at the Bridge? Or was it more important to get a result against Spurs to leave their top flight future on the brink?

Get in touch with your views here

Chelsea make four changes, with Malo Gusto and Reece James dropping to the bench, while Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill miss out entirely after starting Saturday's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

Josh Acheampong, Andrey Santos, Pedro Neto and Liam Delap come in.

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane also switches to a back four for his final home game in charge.

Tottenham are unchanged for the third game in a row.

Roberto de Zerbi keeps faith in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, despite Guglielmo Vicario returning. He replaces Brandon Austin as Kinsky's understudy on the bench.

There are two crucial games in the Premier League on Tuesday, with major implications for both the title race and the relegation battle, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Manchester City (19:30 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Tottenham (20:15 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of the action and reaction

You can also listen to today's Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's sporting leadership and directors, namely owners and the five-strong sporting director team, have released a statement in the matchday programme.

They are quoted as saying "the season overall has not met the standards, expectations or ambitions that define Chelsea Football Club".

They, including the likes of co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, along with co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart add that they want to create "sustainable success".

The comments state: "No club wants to experience change in the head coach position".

They said: "Expectations at Chelsea are always to be competing at the top of the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League at this stage of the season. That has not changed. Everyone at the club is doing everything they can to correct that next year."

There are also warm words for new manager Xabi Alonso, praise for the academy season and a significant mention of the women's team.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea host bitter London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with European football, Premier League survival and bragging rights all at stake.

Defeat in the FA Cup final means Chelsea must now regather themselves in the league if they are to have any hope of European football next season. Two wins are likely be enough to clinch eighth and a spot in the Conference League.

The Blues have gone seven games without a top-flight victory (D1, L6) – their worst period of form since a 10-match winless run between December 1994 and February 1995 under former Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle. Incidentally, the final game of that slump was a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham.

An opportunity to play a leading role in the potential relegation of their north London rivals would provide an exciting conclusion to Chelsea's sub-standard season and help banish memories of Saturday's Wembley defeat.

This fixture has been so one-sided down the years that Chelsea fans referred to Tottenham's old ground as 'Three Point Lane' and they have racked up a club record 38 Premier League wins – both home and away – over Tottenham.

They have also not lost a final home league game for 24 years (W16, D7) and that formidable end-of-season record, combined with their head-to-head dominance, suggests the Blues will still be vying for eighth place on the final day of the season.

Spurs almost safe

Spurs are on a timely four-match unbeaten run (W2, D2) and require three more points on Tuesday to guarantee top-flight survival. A draw would also swing the balance heavily in their favour given their superior goal difference when compared to West Ham.

However, the Lilywhites have won just once in 33 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge. That sole victory occurred during Mauricio Pochettino's reign in April 2018.

But if there is a time to play their London rivals then it could be now. Only title chasing sides Arsenal and Manchester City have taken more points on the road that Tottenham's 26 this season and Chelsea have lost four successive Premier League home games.

Paying the penalty

Spurs have not received a Premier League penalty since the final day of last season. That's almost a year without a spot-kick and that barren, 36-game run appears unlikely to end on Tuesday.

The last time a referee felt inclined to award Tottenham one in a top-flight match at Chelsea was more than 32 years ago, in February 1994. The man in the middle that day awarded them two and in typical 'Spurs at Stamford Bridge' fashion they converted the first and missed the second, allowing Chelsea to score a last-minute penalty of their own to clinch a 4-3 victory.

The Chelsea players will want to impress their new manager Xabi Alonso, who starts on 1 July, but that is not the only reason they will be up for this game.

These two clubs do not like each other very much and Chelsea fans would like nothing more than to beat Tottenham and take their relegation battle to the final day.

Chelsea played pretty well in the FA Cup final despite losing at Wembley - they went with a back three and made it difficult for Manchester City to break them down - and they will have a go at Tottenham here.

But Spurs know they only need a point to stay up after West Ham's defeat by Newcastle and I think they will get it at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs are on a good run of results but they have been playing well too. They look a lot more organised under Roberto de Zerbi and they are definitely capable of getting a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Make your own prediction here, external

Having spent significant time with Enzo Maresca during his 18 months at Chelsea, it is clear he would slot seamlessly into City.

You would be hard pressed to find a coach more similar in style to Pep Guardiola, whom Maresca idolised while facing his Barcelona side as a player in La Liga.

He transformed Chelsea into a possession-based side built on slow, patient build-up. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in almost every match, although the fluid movement of players allowed them to adapt to opponents and keep them guessing from game to game.

His final six months at Chelsea were marked by a fractured relationship with the club's ownership, who were aware of City's interest early in the season through the Italian's agent Jorge Mendes, alongside hearing his complaints over transfers at Stamford Bridge.

• Read more on Maresca and City

Despite the tension, and partly blaming him for a drop in form that followed his mid-season exit and Chelsea's decline this season, the hierarchy respected much of his work with the players, and he remained popular with the majority of the dressing room.

That said, the London club say they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's departure, and are exploring their legal options.

Chelsea expect a compensation package to be paid by either Manchester City or the manager himself, but it remains unclear either how much or when it would be resolved.

Maresca would argue that an agreement has only recently been reached with City and this is the basis of ongoing legal discussions between the two parties.

Asked about his exit at CAA World Congress of Sports, influential Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali said last month: "The change wasn't the club's decision, for reasons I can't speak about legally.

"I think the reasons will become kind of clear in due course. But no, it's not a change we wanted to make."

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Part of the recipe for football's incredible popularity is the way that a summer break of buying and selling players and changing things around behind the scenes can convince any fanbase that things are set to improve in the season to come, no matter how badly the previous one ended.

Chelsea are a perfect example right now. The Blues are in about as bleak a situation as most fans can remember: an ownership nobody likes, players they have no connection with, incompetent and seemingly invulnerable sporting directors, dreadful results.

A big injection of hope can make all those intractable issues feel manageable again, and that is what the news about Xabi Alonso being appointed as the club's new manager has done.

In reality, changing the manager will not fix any of the big picture problems, but it is such an exciting appointment that it at least feels like it can help solve enough smaller issues so that long-term progress can be made further up the chain. The whole debacle of this season will feel worthwhile if Alonso fulfils his potential as a coach.

Most fans did not dare to dream that the former Liverpool star would consider taking over at Chelsea. We do not yet know exactly how he was persuaded - either the club have been willing to bend to some of his requirements, or perhaps his stock was lower than it appears from the outside following a brief spell at Real Madrid.

Whatever went on behind the scenes, his arrival brings a wave of enthusiasm to the club at a low moment, and means this summer will once again be one of hope and excitement about another fresh start and another chance to return to the top of the sport.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Watch BBC Sport Football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan break down Xabi Alonso's tactical philosophy and how he might apply it at Chelsea.

"If you look at all of the top coaches now, barring a few, they've all got general principles but the formation is so fluid and it changes," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"Alonso - whether he starts with a back four or five, in the build-up there is generally four players at the back and in attack there is generally five players across the last line.

"It's very fluid and whoever does those roles changes depending on who he does select.

"When you look at the FA Cup final, is it kind of the same shape, a 3-4-2-1, but the way that Calum McFarlane set them up was to sit in, press when they could, but generally concede much of the ball.

"Alonso is a coach who has his principles, he wants to keep the ball, he wants to play with very short passes so he can have areas of high density.

"From there, even if they lose the ball, they will press aggressively high up the pitch. He generally wants to pen teams in and that shape can look the same, whether it is a four or five."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco has announced his departure amid reported Chelsea interest.

Sources close to the Argentina international, 21, believe he is heading to Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea have yet to confirm any deal.

Barco, who excelled in Ligue 1 after joining from Brighton for £7.9m in January 2025, is expected to sign a six-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.

He would become the second player to join Chelsea this summer, with striker Emanuel Emegha having already agreed a move within the multi-club model, as both clubs are owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

It would be the 13th deal between the two BlueCo clubs since the start of last season, with Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders also under consideration to return to Stamford Bridge following a successful loan spell.

Chelsea, who have announced Xabi Alonso will become their permanent manager on 1 July, have also pre-agreed moves for Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, who will join for £40m, and Kairat striker Dastan Satpaev.

In a statement on social media, Barco said: "Today I say goodbye to this club. I always gave everything on the pitch in every game for this shirt.

"I want to thank my team-mates, who made everything easier for me; Liam Rosenior and his staff for the confidence they showed in me and for helping shape me as a player; Gary O'Neil and his staff for understanding me and helping me improve; everyone at the club who supports us every day; and the fans for the love they always gave me. Thank you, Strasbourg."