Xabi Alonso is finally solving Chelsea problem both Pochettino and Maresca called out

Xabi Alonso appears to be prioritising players with experience when it comes to Chelsea's recruitment. Both Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino complained about a lack of this trait within their Blues cohorts before departing.

A new era at Stamford Bridge has begun, with former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso installed to steer the ship. He's been handed a new superstar to work with too, in the form of British record transfer Morgan Rogers, who arrived for £117million from Aston Villa.

But when it comes to who Chelsea will target next, reports suggest they'll be seeking out older models. Danny Welbeck, 35, is expected to make a move to west London and with Granit Xhaka having been unsuccessfully targeted, Jordan Henderson's name has been mentioned.

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If just one or both of these stars end up at Stamford Bridge, they'll bring with them something that Chelsea have lacked in years past: top-flight experience. Alonso seems to have learned from the complaints of both Maresca and Pochettino, who came before him.

In December 2023, Pochettino was less than a year into his Chelsea tenure when questions were asked about his team's discipline. After a 2-1 defeat to Wolves, his side had amassed a league-high tally of 56 yellows and both Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer were ruled out of an upcoming game, having picked up five each.

"When you are frustrated and lack a bit of experience, it's [something] we can improve," said Pochettino. "It's not about a lack of discipline, it's about having the ability to read the situation of the game."

Just months later, in April 2024, an unexpected draw with Sheffield United forced the Argentine manager to make another admission about maturity. Chelsea had only just beaten Manchester United before they were held by the Blades.

"It is about being able to compete. For different reasons, we are struggling to compete in these types of games [against lesser teams]," said the manager. "Maybe [it is] because this group is not mature enough to compete in games every three days."

Pochettino left by mutual consent in May and by July, now-Manchester City boss Maresca was at the helm. However, he had similar complaints. After losing to Aston Villa in December 2025, the Italian said: "For sure, we have to be clinical.

"We need to manage the game better. In this moment, it's difficult to analyse because we need to realise how to manage a game in a better way. It can be experience, or it can be something we need to analyse."

Maresca's departure in January 2026 was quickly followed by Liam Rosenior's brief stint in charge. Now, it's Alonso's turn, and he is already tackling this lack of experience by signing the likes of Welbeck.