What tactics might Alonso use at Chelsea?

LONDON, England, May 20, 2026 – Things have been rocky since BlueCo took over Chelseain 2022, but former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has been entrusted to get the London club competing at the highest level again.

Liam Rosenior failed to live up to the potential Chelsea thought he had, with many believing his relative inexperience played a part.

Alonso, 44, is only three years older but boasts an impressive body of work – taking over a Leverkusen side second from bottom before turning them into unbeaten Bundesliga champions the following season. mchezo.life

His spell at Real Madrid ended after fallouts with several star players but the Spaniard will have learned valuable lessons from the challenges of such a high-profile environment.

At the time of his dismissal his win percentage of 71.4% was the highest of any Madrid manager in the past decade.

With this in mind, BBC Sport takes a closer look at the rationale behind hiring Alonso and the managerial approach he will likely bring to Stamford Bridge.

Adapting to the players in the squad

Increasingly, for many coaches, systems are less rooted in one specific formation. Rather, modern coaches have a set of principles and beliefs they aim to drill into their squad.

Alonso is one of these coaches. While at Real Sociedad’s B team, he would often start in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape. In his last season with Sociedad B, he had moved to 3-4-3, a formation he would become known for, using it to much success at Leverkusen.

For Alonso, these decisions are informed by players – both his own and those of the opponents.

At times, he has opted for a back five in order to match an opposition back-five system, as seen in Madrid’s 1-0 win against Juventus in the Club World Cup.

At Leverkusen, with impressive wing-backs such as Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, Alonso had wide defenders comfortable attacking high and wide. This made the decision to play with a back five on paper an easy one.

At Madrid, the likes of Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Franco Mastantuono and Vinicius Junior provided the Spaniard with a variety of players capable of thriving out wide, and therefore Madrid often played with four at the back.

Out of possession, Leverkusen set up in an aggressive 5-2-3 shape that looked to step up and apply pressure, holding a high line.

Real Madrid’s midfielders and attackers struggled to apply these same ideas, lacking the intensity needed. There was also the added challenge of accommodating both Mbappe and Vinicius off the ball, something Alonso tried to do in a 4-4-2 shape.

Moving between back four and back five mid-game

Whether Alonso starts with a back four or back five, this shape is fluid. He has shapes he looks for during certain parts of the game and asks players with the appropriate skillset to move into specific positions within that shape.

For example, higher up the pitch, Alonso often looks to place five players on the last line of attack, who then take it in turn to drop deep and show for the ball. These five players can be arranged in a number of ways.

This can be with two wing-backs and three narrow attackers from a back-five formation, if the wing-backs are strong in attack.

Starting in a four-at-the-back system, it can be done with one full-back and one winger on either flank – with any combination of three midfielders or attackers playing centrally.

With Chelsea opting for a back five against City in the FA Cup final and at times under Rosenior, they do possess players capable of playing either shape.

Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto have moved from full-back or wing-back positions into central attacking positions higher up the pitch under both Enzo Maresca and Rosenior, something Alonso might utilise.

The likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, although natural wingers, have also played as wing-backs.

Geovany Quenda of Sporting, set to join Chelsea this summer, is an exciting young wide player too – capable of playing as a winger and wing-back.

Alonso might opt to use him in a similar fashion to Frimpong at Leverkusen, closer to the touchline and alternating between full-back, wing-back and winger.

Alonso’s overarching principles

Alonso wants his sides to dominate the ball, setting up attacks in opponents’ halves for long periods.

In possession, he wants his teams to focus on playing many short passes in opponents’ halves.

By positioning themselves close to their team-mates, Alonso’s sides cluster around the ball allowing them to press in numbers if they lose possession. This allows them to win it back quickly and continue to apply attacking pressure.

Through these small-space interactions between his players, the centre of the pitch can become crowded – but this is a deliberate quirk of Alonso’s system.

From a squad-building perspective, Alonso will be looking for technical players who thrive in small spaces, allowing his team to unlock defences’ stubborn low blocks.

Despite having a general attacking structure, Alonso has been seen granting players with exceptional talent creative freedom within his set-up.

Florian Wirtz, at Leverkusen, was allowed to roam across the width of the pitch, and his quality between the lines made him the perfect profile of player for Alonso’s approach.

Although less suited to playing in very small spaces, there is the potential for Alonso to trust a player of Cole Palmer’s quality with a more free role.

These small-space interactions have worked brilliantly against zonal defensive blocks, but with the rise in man-to-man defending, Alonso’s side may become stuck.

In games against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich and Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, Alonso’s teams struggled against two sides who man-mark intensely.

After the 2024 Europa League final loss to Atalanta, Alonso said: “We probably tried to play too many passes in the first phase when we should have tried to attract the first player and go long a bit more.”

In a later game against Bayern, Leverkusen did go long and more often, highlighting Alonso’s adaptability.

A nod to his ability to come up with new solutions depending on the opposition, Alonso pushed his left wing-back, Piero Hincapie now of Arsenal, and his right centre-back, Nordi Mukiele now of Sunderland, in the attacking five so Leverkusen had a more physical presence when going long.

Notably, going long in both these games failed to result in big chances for Alonso’s side because the front line struggled to make the ball stick – something Joao Pedro is capable of doing more so than Chelsea‘s wide players.

In theory, many of Alonso’s ideas outlined in this piece have a strong basis, having worked not only for his own sides but for many of football’s most successful coaches at present.

The biggest problem he faces is that these tactics are only viable if a manager has the personnel to execute them.

Significant rebuild underway

Alonso has been appointed as a manager, rather than in the head coach role held by his predecessors at Chelsea.

It is a signal the club are adapting in response to criticism of the project, both externally and internally from players.

It is also a mark of respect for Alonso’s seniority and career.

However, he will not be rebuilding the club on his own. Responsibility for transfers will be shared, with the club continuing to put faith in its five sporting directors.

Alonso was optimistic but needed reassurance in his early talks with Chelsea, although he is understood to be excited by the prospect of moving to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were already planning to target two or three senior players with Premier League experience.

There will also be a significant number of departures, both to reshape the squad and create room for new signings already agreed.

If the club miss out on European competition, it will also help reduce squad size in line with a lighter fixture schedule.

The post What tactics might Alonso use at Chelsea? appeared first on Capital Sports.

Work is under way to fix the damaged roof at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ahead of the clash between the Springboks and Barbarians on 20 June.

The damage occured during last week’s storm, with one tarpaulin and cable section on the northern side affected.

Netwerk24 reports that workers began removing the torn material and damaged cable on Monday, while engineers continue inspections on surrounding structures, including the screws and support systems.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), which manages the stadium, has stressed that the damage is limited to one section of the roof and that the structure remains sound.

MORE: Contepomi targets Bok scalp with Barbarians

However, full repairs are not expected to be completed before the Boks face the Baa-Baas.

According to MBDA communications manager Nicole Klokow, the repair process could take at least 16 weeks.

The specialised tarpaulin material used on the roof must reportedly be sourced from Japan.

FULL STORY

The post Race to repair Bok stadium appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20, 2026 – Even as Kenyans back home gnashed their teeth at the ripple effect of high fuel prices, President William Ruto was basking in the glory of Arsenal’s first ever English Premier League title in 22 years.

Ruto congratulated the Gunners for their historic achievement, paying tribute to their recovery and resurgence from setbacks, through the years.

“It has been quite an experience to follow @Arsenal Football Club’s epic adventure, from times of struggle and crushing setback, to successive seasons of recovery and resurgence on their glorious path to the summit of the English Premier League,” the President said via his X account.

Arsenal were crowned champions of the 2025/26 season on Wednesday night after their closest challengers, Manchester City, could only muster a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth.

The result left Mikel Arteta’s charges sitting at the top of the log with 82 points, four more than City — ensuring that the final matchweek of the league this coming weekend will be nothing more than a mere formality.

Ruto said the Gunners’ experience through the season is testament of the power of hope, resilience, focus and relentless hardwork.

“In this time, we have witnessed the power of hope, resilience, focus and relentless hardwork in action, and watched a team of dedicated professional do battle against formidable adversaries, matchday after matchday,” he said.

The President further exhorted the need to learn from the Gunners on the need and benefit of hard work discipline and teamwork.

“Tonight, the great reward is won. The team is victorious. It’s faith and dedication is vindicated. And our commitment to succeed through work, discipline and teamwork is affirmed,” he said.

Ruto has previously confessed his love for Arsenal, expressing optimism that Arteta’s charges would finally break their trophy duck.

In October last year, while receiving the Uefa Champions League trophy at State House, Nairobi, the President declared himself a Gunners’ lifelong fan.

Arsenal are also set to play in the Champions League final, against defending champions Paris St-Germain (PSG) on May 30 in Budapest.

Even as he continues supporting the North Londoners, Kenyans will be hoping that the President will apply some of the lessons he has learned from Arteta’s journey as Arsenal manager — which began in November 2019 and has been fraught with challenges and criticism over some of his decisions.

The post Ruto congratulates Arsenal on Premier League win, draws lessons for Mikel Arteta’s success appeared first on Capital Sports.

Les premiers migrants expulsés des États-Unis dans le cadre d’un accord migratoire conclu entre Washington et Freetown sont arrivés mercredi 20 mai dans la matinée en Sierra Leone. Ces vingt-cinq ressortissants ouest-africains viennent notamment du Sénégal, du Ghana, de Guinée ou encore du Nigeria ont atterri à Freetown. Présenté par les autorités comme un dispositif « temporaire et humanitaire », cet accord suscite pourtant de nombreuses interrogations dans le pays.

Another day for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns daily transfer news updates.

Competing for the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup demands Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to remain active in the transfer market on a daily basis!

KAIZER CHIEFS WINGER TARGETED IN MOROCCO

Reports coming out of North Africa say Botola Pro 1 giants Raja Casablanca, coached by South Africa’s Fadlu Davids, are keen on signing Kaizer Chiefs winger Glody Lilepo.

The 28-year-old DR Congo international has delivered nine goals and four assists in 37 games this season. He joined Amakhosi last season in January 2025 on two-and-a-half-year contract from French outfit Valenciennes FC for a fee of around R9.6 million. Before finishing the term as the club’s top goalscorer with 6 goals in 15 matches.

ORLANDO PIRATES CLOSING IN ON AYANDA JIYANE

With the sensational Lebone Seema likely to earn a move abroad, the Buccaneers are set to be in advanced talks to a potential replacement or competitor. The name is Golden Arrows’ 23-year-old captain Ayanda Jiyane.

The former Royal AM star has led Manqoba Mngqithi’s side to their current eightth place position with 27 appearances.

Orlando Pirates have previously signed stellar captains from Arrows who went on to become Bafana Bafana internationals. Namely Siyabonga Sangweni and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

DURBAN CITY INTERESTED IN MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DEFENDER

Masandwana defender Terrence Mashego has enticed Betway Premiership rookies Durban City to sign him on a permanent deal. The 29-year-old left back joined the Citizens on loan before playing 29 matches for City.

According to Mazola Molefe, Durban City are ‘unable’ to sign Mashego ahead of the end of his loan deal in June, with Sundowns set to recall the Mamelodi-born player.

Here are more: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns news you may have missed.

Related Transfer News:

Kaizer Chiefs join Orlando Pirates in race for PSL midfielder
Reports: Orlando Pirates push to sign Bafana Bafana player
Orlando Pirates: Plans to sign three new signings

WHEN ARE THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE TRANSFER WINDOWS?

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer calendar is split into two registration periods each season, the main pre-season window and the mid-season window.

Pre-season transfer window: Opens on 1 July and usually runs until September, allowing clubs to complete squad building before and during the opening weeks of the campaign.

Mid-season transfer window: Opens on 1 January and closes in February, giving clubs an opportunity to strengthen squads for the second half of the season.

HOW ARE SALARIES AND CONTRACTS STRUCTURED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PSL?

Player salaries and contracts in the PSL are not controlled by a league salary cap or minimum wage structure. Instead, agreements are negotiated directly between the club, player and player representative. As a result, earnings vary significantly depending on several factors.

Player profile and experience: Established stars, senior internationals and Bafana Bafana players can earn more up to R1 million per month, particularly when image rights and commercial agreements are included.

Meanwhile, younger players and footballers at smaller clubs may earn closer to R20,000–30,000 monthly at top clubs. The figures are as low as R12 000 at smaller clubs.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRANSFER FEES IN PSL HISTORY?

Some of the biggest transfers involving South African clubs include:

Percy Tau: R64 million (Mamelodi Sundowns to Brighton & Hove Albion, 2018)
Mbekezile Mbokazi: R52 million (Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC, 2025)
Thulani Serero: R50 million (Ajax Cape Town to AFC Ajax, 2011)
Mbulelo Mabizela: R46 million (Orlando Pirates to Tottenham Hotspur, 2003).

HOW DO PRE-CONTRACTS DEALS WORK?

Pre-contract agreements allow clubs to secure players before their current contracts expire.
A club negotiates directly with the player. He signs an agreement confirming the player will join once the existing contract ends. This means no transfer fee is paid.

HOW DO FREE AGENT SIGNINGS WORK?

A free transfer happens when a player becomes available without a transfer fee, usually after their contract expires.

Direct negotiations: The new club negotiates directly with the player and representatives. There is no need to agree a transfer amount with another club.

Mutual termination: Players may also become free agents if both player and club agree to terminate the contract before expiry.

For official transfer activity and confirmed moves, clubs and supporters often track updates through Transfermarkt South Africa