Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet has backed the club's decision to appoint Xabi Alonso instead of a return for José Mourinho. Despite Alonso's recent challenges in La Liga, Poyet believes the Spaniard's modern tactical approach and the absence of European football at Stamford Bridge create the perfect environment to build a new identity. This is reported by Goal.com .
Alonso had a brief stint at Real Madrid after winning the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal, and Supercup with Bayer Leverkusen, recording 89 wins in 140 matches. Expressing his satisfaction with the appointment, Poyet noted: "I am very happy that Xabi is coming there. As a player, he understood the game brilliantly. Sometimes you just know which players will become coaches."
Chelsea finished this season in 10th place, missing out on European competitions, but Poyet insists this failure is a major advantage for the new manager. He believes having more time during the week will allow Alonso to perfect his system just as he did at Leverkusen. The absence of Europa League or Champions League matches provides invaluable training time.
Alonso's appointment put an end to rumors regarding a third return of José Mourinho to the club. Mourinho is currently on the verge of returning to Real Madrid for next season. According to Poyet, although Mourinho is a Chelsea legend, the current squad's characteristics are better suited to building something new under Alonso's tactics.
Now, Alonso faces the massive task of translating his Leverkusen project to the Premier League. The Chelsea board has given the new manager full confidence to create a distinct tactical style, free from the pressure of European competitions. All eyes are on whether Alonso can get the London club back on its feet.
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