Three reasons Liverpool will have to judge Xabi Alonso by his second season at Chelsea

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Xabi Alonso will take charge of Chelsea next season, but Liverpool should reserve judgment on the Spaniard as they consider his suitability for the Anfield role further down the line. Alonso may well smash it in his first campaign at Chelsea.

Who would you rather see at Liverpool next season, Diomande or Barcola? 🤔 One of the most exciting teens in Europe vs a Champions League winner… Photo by Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images Chelsea’s schedule next season will be rather kind to Xabi AlonsoAlonso probably will not be delighted that Chelsea missed out on Europe after a dreadful run-in. But from a coaching perspective, it could help him enormously.Chelsea have spent billions building this squad, and while it remains wildly unbalanced, there is still a huge amount of talent there.One game a week would allow Alonso to spend more time on the training pitch, keep legs fresher and pour everything into the Premier League.If Chelsea climb quickly, that context has to be remembered.The Arne Slot lessonLiverpool already know how dangerous it can be to overreact to a first season.Slot won the Premier League in his debut campaign, and at the time, it looked as though FSG had nailed the succession plan after Jurgen Klopp.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesThis season, though, Liverpool have regressed dramatically, and the football has fallen miles short of the standard expected.

So is second-season regression.If Alonso starts well at Chelsea, Liverpool should admire it, but they should not treat it as conclusive proof that he is the next great Anfield manager. If Alonso’s first season at Chelsea is slightly underwhelming, that should not be used to write him off.At Bayer Leverkusen, his second season was when everything truly exploded.