Chelsea change their summer and their prospects next season with one huge coup – Talk Chelsea

Chelsea have just one game to play this season, and then the long wait for 2026/2027 begins.

At least there is now a great air of optimism around Stamford Bridge. Just a couple of weeks ago, with the shambolic Liam Rosenior period over but the club still losing every week, it felt like the short term and long term pictures were pretty dark.

Now, with Xabi Alonso appointed and a win against Tottenham under our belts, the sun has come out. The new coach will have months of this summer to work on his team and his tactics, and will have time and influence to decide on the transfer incomings and outgoings that shape his side.

A look at the Champions League odds for next season on sites like BetGoodwin show that it’s not just Chelsea fans who are feeling suddenly more positive.

The Blues’ odds of making the top four shortened significantly following the announcement that the rising star in the coaching world had been appointed. There is a real belief that, despite a bad spell in Madrid, he’s a world class coach who can finally take Chelsea back to challenging at the very top.

Of course it won’t be easy, as this season proved. The Premier League’s middle class, teams like Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth, are all now established as a constant menace who will push anyone hard for Champions League spots.

Then there are Tottenham and Manchester United who are bound to be far stronger this season than last after positive coaching moves of their own.

But none of that will dampen enthusiasm too much. There are major structural problems at Chelsea, and flaws in the squad. But there’s plenty of talent there too, and the feeling is that if the basic aim is just to finish in the top 4, and there’s no Champions League football to worry about, Alonso has more than enough at his disposal to get this side challenging.

As well as his tactical acumen and the authority that comes from being an elite former player, Alonso should also help the team both in attracting top players and keeping those already at the club.

A squad that has major issues could look a lot better after just a few smart sales and purchases. Appointing the new man so early means there’s plenty of time to get these moves right.

There is light at the end of the tunnel…