Gullit reveals top transfer targets for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea | OneFootball

Ruud Gullit stressed that Chelsea must back Xabi Alonso in the transfer market if the Spaniard is to be successful at Stamford Bridge, and warned that “the only certainty” for managers at top clubs is being sacked.

Xabi Alonso’s successful managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen saw the 44-year-old earn a move to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a fruitful playing career, in June 2025. But less than eight months into a three-year deal, the Spaniard departed by mutual consent.

Now, he has been handed a four-year contract as Chelsea boss, with the official announcement coming just a day after the Blues suffered a narrow defeat to Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup final.

Speaking to MrRaffle.com, Ruud Gullit expressed his doubts about Xabi Alonso’s appointment and revealed why some of the top managers have been successful in the Premier League.

The Dutchman commented: “Look how successfully he managed in Germany — then all of a sudden everyone said, ‘Oh, he could do it anywhere.’ It’s not the same.

“You know, the only thing that is certain for a manager is that he gets fired. That’s the only certainty. And as a coach you have to learn to adapt to the club’s philosophy. Does it match yours? And do you get the players you need to do what you want to do? Pep Guardiola got all the players he wanted. That’s why he’s been successful.

But if you told Pep, ‘Deal with what we give you,’ he wouldn’t come. [José] Mourinho wouldn’t come. [Jürgen] Klopp wouldn’t come. [Carlo] Ancelotti wouldn’t come. These are people who know exactly what the right formula is.”

Gullit, who signed for Chelsea on a free transfer in 1995, insisted that the club must get their priorities right this summer if Xabi Alonso’s reign is to be a successful one.

The 63-year-old played down suggestions of signing ex-Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and urged the club to “start from the back.

“You need a good centre-half, a good experienced central midfielder, and a goalkeeper. Three good players with experience. That’s what a squad like Chelsea’s needs first.”