Xabi Alonso is who Chelsea would like to lead the project, according to sources. Alonso is cautious but hasn’t said no yet. Chelsea have other options if they can’t convince him.

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Really hate this stuff from players, Caicedo did similar to a fan in the MHL after the second goal, sort of tutting at him and shaking his lead like 'you what?', you just lost to Spurs for the second time at home since 1993, that's what. I expected more in terms of standards from Alonso after the game too in his interviews, concerning. Colwill and co should look at themselves in the mirror. Don't have a go at fans who paid their hard earned money to be served up that yesterday.

Why, just why did Alonso think conceding possession and countering was a good plan? A team that has had so many fast starts lacked so much energy and impetus today, and allowed De Zerbi’s Spurs to control the game through possession. So disappointing, the team was played off the park for large portions of the match. I don’t understand constantly kicking it long either, without a striker - that was food and drink for Van Hecke. Zero idea to build up and play out the back, no Lavia or even Barco subbed on to come deep and get on the ball and start playing. Worst performance against Tottenham in years.

30% possession at HOME to Spurs. Blimey. Second half needs to be big.

On Monday I travelled back from University to say my goodbye and this morning I hear that he had passed peacefully in his sleep after a battle with Cancer. To those who still have their grandparents, please hold them close for me 💙

Everton away would be a tough game for any substitute goalkeeper to come in, let alone a 21 year old making his league debut. Mike Penders more than matched Everton’s intensity and physicality and is an exciting prospect for Chelsea. #CFC 👇🏻 striver.football/the-game/ch…

Biggest positive for Chelsea today wasn’t the goals. It was the clean sheet and the work they put into keeping that. Chelsea outworked, outfought and outduelled Everton, a side that are so good at each of those aspects under David Moyes. This performance has to be the reference point in future tough away games.

It’s only been two games but since the International break, it’s really felt like the phrase ‘Chelsea are truly building something’ is true. The hard work off ball, talent on it, and now looking more solid defensively. #CFC

Very very funny to see Manchester City fans all over X last night talking about how Enzo can’t play with Cherki and that he’s a traffic cone off the ball but he’s always going to play because of his name and price tag. It’s almost like everything I was saying about him in the summer was correct. He wouldn’t solve anything in the pivot for us and Rogers will get just as many G/A.

Alex Scott in January then? 🤩 Chelsea have the funds with the Enzo Fernandez money in the bank and Scott was the number one midfield target. Bournemouth now being open to a sale makes the path a lot easier. As we have seen with Rogers, the fee for proven Premier League talent is largely irrelevant!

Cole Palmer said to Henderson ‘Which corner are we celebrating in?’ before the veteran curled into the top corner to make it 5-1 today. Experienced players bring confidence to those around them. Some comments on each player from today’s match 👇🏻 #CFC striver.football/the-game/ch…

Jordan Henderson a lot better than everyone expected. Credit to him. Do think sometimes he could be more composed on the ball but him and Caicedo are forming a much better partnership than anything seen this season.

This is another important pay rise for Palmer and signals financial ambition from Chelsea. Had heard whispers towards the back end of last season he would consider a move. Important show of faith toward Alonso from Palmer, too.

The back 3 at one stage consisted of Colwill, Fofana and Gusto at RCB. Emegha and Palestra also played, alongside the likes of Welbeck, Henderson, Chavarria.

Laurence Stewart to leave Chelsea. 🚨 Understand Joe Shields and Sam Jewell will hold greater responsibility and power on recruitment and squad building. ✍🏻 Paul Winstanley’s responsibilities include transfer negotiations and contracts. #CFC striver.football/the-game/ch…

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Portsmouth behind closed doors today. Sources describe the match as more of a training session, though. Nothing to worry about too much. #CFC

Sources are confident that the return of Moises Caicedo will significantly help Chelsea defensivley, but it is also noted that the midfielder will help with build up play. There is acknowldgement that the balance of the team is expected to improve with his return.

Great day at BBC Radio Surrey seeing all the production take place around Brighton’s crazy 3-0 victory over Arsenal! @BBCSurrey @BBCSussexSport

I was at the Gtech community stadium tonight to see another Chelsea collapse. I was not even angry. I have seen it all before. I am starting to wonder if some players are capable of being switched on for 90 minutes consistently. Is this something that can actually be fixed? Piece for Striver on my concerns with Alonso and the players 👇🏻 striver.football/the-game/xa…

No one at Chelsea is hiding from any accountability. At ownership level, Chelsea want to improve fan engagement and listen to supporters better. There has been a recent statement to the supporters outlining the future. There is no 'reset' with the ownership but instead an evolvement within the model. The future transfer windows are expected to see investment in young talent mixed in with greater experience and quality, like the 2026 summer window. The sporting leadership team will remain in place with roles for each director now more defined into certain areas than in the past. Chelsea's ownership group expected to be judged on results, not words, and everyone inside the club is fully behind this. The more successful Chelsea are, the more money that can be made and invested. The value of the club will raise with greater success. While the execution can be questioned over recent years, the ambition can not.