Alonso names “key area of improvement” Chelsea need to fix under him

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·19. Mai 2026

Alonso names “key area of improvement” Chelsea need to fix under him

Xabi Alonso has his work cut out in improving Chelsea’s “mentality” as their young team continues to struggle with setbacks.

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The long reads about Xabi Alonso’s appointment are coming out, and there are some interesting angles about what Chelsea want from their new man.

The Athletic’s piece had a whole section about how the new man needs to improve the mentality at the club, and has already made clear that’s top of his priorities.

Alonso keen to improve Chelsea’s weak mentality

“According to Chelsea sources, Alonso spoke during his discussions with the club of his desire to build a team of “mentality monsters” at Stamford Bridge,” they wrote.

“Mentality has been identified internally as a key area of improvement for a young squad that has consistently racked up unnecessary yellow and red cards over the last three years and struggled to deal with on-pitch setbacks in recent months.

There’s no doubt that mentality is a big problem – more than just the immaturity that brings the red and yellow cards, there’s also a resignation to defeat when things are going against us.

We’ve seen some pretty egregious examples of players conceding an early goal and then giving up hope of getting back into the game this season. That desperately needs to change.