John Terry’s Chelsea verdict will worry Xabi Alonso, his job security could be in doubt
Chelsea are largely an unknown quantity in the Premier League at the moment. It is difficult to really predict what the Blues will be under Xabi Alonso, but John Terry’s verdict will worry the manager.
After seven games, Alonso has watched his side win four times, lose twice and then draw against Hull City. There have been many positives, mostly the flow of goals and the instant connection in attack.
But there are negatives too. The defeat at Brentford, the injuries, the 21 Premier League games without a clean sheet stretching back to the start of Liam Rosenior’s reign, the 12 goals conceded in five matches.
It is far too early to tell what Alonso’s Chelsea will look like at the end of the season. It is impossible to predict if Alonso will be the long-term manager that guides Chelsea back to the top of the pyramid.
John Terry thinks Chelsea are two years away from title challenge
That unknown is both exciting and worrying. Alonso will know that to be a successful Chelsea manager, instant success is crucial. However, given Chelsea’s dismal 25-26 season, success is rather subjective.
For most, returning to the Champions League would be a success. But even that is a tall order for last season’s 10th-best side. Speaking on Theo Walcott’s TikTok, Terry spoke about Chelsea’s long-term aim.
How would you rate Xabi Alonso’s first weeks at Stamford Bridge?
What has worked, and what needs improving? 🤔
Walcott asked John Terry who will finish higher. Terry replied: “Unfortunately, it will be Arsenal. We’re still a couple of years from competing for a title. [Arsenal] have the chance to dominate the Premier League.”
Why Terry’s verdict will be a real concern for Alonso
Terry is right; it will take two or three years before Chelsea can genuinely believe they have the quality, the cohesion, the right tactics, the right squad to challenge for the title. But that is a concern for the manager.
Chelsea’s hierarchy, even if it has changed in recent weeks are known to be impatient. Yes, Todd Boehly is gone, and Behdad Eghbali seems more considered in his approach, but instant success is key at Chelsea.
This fanbase is an expectant one; it requires silverware, it requires instant success. If Chelsea are two or three years away from a title challenge, Alonso will know that his job security could become in doubt.
Will Clearlake and Eghbali be willing to wait that long and give Alonso that time? The past suggests they might not, but Arsenal have proven that consistency with the manager does reap the rewards eventually.
Gary Lineker does not believe the pressure is on Alonso just yet, but did make the point that this is Chelsea and anything can happen. Eghbali needs to give Alonso time – but how long can he truly wait?
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