Kathmandu— Chelsea Football Club is navigating a critical juncture after enduring its worst Premier League performance in three decades. The arrival of manager Xabi Alonso aims to stabilize a team that has seen frequent leadership changes since winning the Champions League in 2021, while also addressing on-field struggles and potential player departures. As the club seeks to regain its competitive edge, key questions surround squad formation, the form of star player Cole Palmer, and ongoing ownership considerations.

Years of Instability

Chelsea’s recent Premier League finishes – 12th, 6th, 4th, and 10th – represent their worst run in 30 years. This decline follows a period of success sparked by Roman Abramovich's ownership, but has been exacerbated by instability both on and off the pitch. The club has cycled through seven permanent managers since Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League victory in May 2021, reflecting significant behind-the-scenes changes including the 2022 sale of the club.

Alonso's Tactical Approach

Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of establishing a consistent tactical identity after his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, struggled with rigid tactics despite dominating possession. While at Real Madrid, Alonso experimented with various formations – including 4-2-2-2, 3-4-3 and 4-4-2 – which proved unpopular with players and led to poor results. He appears set to deploy a 3-4-3 formation at Chelsea, as evidenced in recent preseason friendlies, a system previously used during their title-winning 2016-17 season.

Palmer's Pivotal Role

Much of Chelsea’s success hinges on the form of Cole Palmer, who quickly became a key player after joining from Manchester City. His impressive debut season saw him challenge for the league’s Player of the Year award with 29 goal involvements, helping Chelsea to a fourth-place finish. A dip in his performance last season coincided with the team's tenth-place result, highlighting his importance to their overall success.

Rogers and Potential Departures

The arrival of England forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa could alleviate some pressure on Palmer by drawing defensive attention. However, there is a potential overlap in playing styles between the two players, presenting a challenge for Alonso to integrate them effectively. Meanwhile, midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been subject to transfer speculation and was jeered by sections of the home support during a recent friendly match, indicating possible unrest among fans.

Ownership Uncertainty

Chelsea’s ownership structure is also undergoing potential changes, with chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter considering selling their stakes in the club to majority owner Clearlake Capital. Boehly has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the club's direction, including recruitment and stadium plans. The current ownership split sees Clearlake holding 62 percent and Boehly, Walter, and Hansjorg Wyss controlling the remaining 38 percent through Blueco Holdings.

The future direction of Chelsea remains uncertain as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first full season in charge, with both on-field performance and off-field ownership potentially undergoing significant shifts.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.