I see the vision with what Xabi Alonso is trying to build with this Chelsea team
The players are being coached to understand that fluidity & structure are not mutually exclusive, meaning that fluidity & order can co-exist at the same time and one does not cancel out the other.
So Xabi basically wants a chameleon team, with an ultra flexible team shape that builds from a 3-2 base on paper but fluid enough to transition into either a 3-1, 4-2, 4-1, depending on the phase of play and factors like; the OOP shape of the opposition, how many men they keep in their first line to lead the press, or the type of press we are facing whether zonal or man-to-man.
The goal with these variations & rotations is to make Chelsea's build up bulletproof; capable of manipulating any pressing structure from the opposition, baiting and playing through it with ease, and positioning our players in gaps within the opposition's shape with time and space for the Chelsea players to receive and hurt the opposition. Those split seconds decision making and precise actions upon receptions are key to making this work on the pitch
The dynamic profiles of Chelsea fullbacks in particular (the likes of James, Palestra, Hato, Pep) means Xabi can alter the team's structure from the touchline through signals, without having to make a substitution, in response to tactical tweaks and surprises from the opposition during the game.
EBL is such a funny guy. He always knew there was a possibility that Xabi would play the 3-4-2-1 after the acquisitions of Palestra & Chivarria but was just acting oblivious to it
But he just needed an excuse to talk down on the project the moment Xabi decides to trail out the system. Now he has it
Any sensible analyst would tell you that this Chelsea squad tactically suits a back 3/4 so both shapes were always going to be a possibility, especially in preseason under a new manager.
Chelsea have been judged by transfer spending for so long that some of you are still counting money we spent 200 transfer windows ago when discussing today's team.
So this idea of "let's see if the same standards are applied to Chelsea" is funny.
We've been living under those standards for years.
The difference is Chelsea know how to generate revenue and sell players.
Maybe if your club mastered that part too, spending wouldn't look so scary 😂
Please note that 95% of these posts are purely imaginary and based on guesswork. They are designed for clicks which is why they ate exaggerated.
But as long as there are gullible fools out there ( and there are millions) this strategy will continue to work.
Why doesn't anyone ask if this writer has actually seen the contract?
🚨🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool agree loan deal to sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, HERE WE GO! 🇺🇾
Verbal agreement club to club with Barça now approved by director Deco.
New centre back for #LFC with a surprise bomba.