Former Manchester United attacker, Louis Saha, has backed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to challenge for the Premier League title this season following the Blues’ impressive 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Chelsea opened their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with an exciting win at Craven Cottage on Monday, despite having just 38 per cent possession.

The Blues registered 18 attempts, with six on target, while Fulham also managed six shots on target from 14 attempts.

Reacting to Chelsea’s performance, Saha praised Alonso’s tactical approach and suggested the former Bayer Leverkusen manager has what it takes to guide the London club to the league title.

“I believe Xabi Alonso can lead Chelsea to the title this season. The players possess the talent necessary for him to construct a formidable team, and we witnessed his managerial capabilities at Bayer Leverkusen,” Saha said, according to Tribal Football.

Saha said he particularly admired the style Alonso implemented at Leverkusen, highlighting the team’s pressing intensity and ability to control games through midfield.

“I truly love the style he implemented there. They played with high pressing but also maintained control in midfield, making them a joy to watch,” he added.

However, the former France international warned that Alonso would need to improve Chelsea’s consistency in midfield if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

He identified Moises Caicedo and Chelsea’s other midfield options as talented but prone to costly mistakes and urged Alonso to bring greater stability to the department.

“They lack the composure essential in these positions, and their positioning can sometimes be inconsistent. They commit numerous mistakes at critical moments, resulting in losses in matches they ought to have won,” Saha said.

He expressed confidence that Alonso could address the issue, given his experience and understanding of midfield play.

In their Premier League opener, Chelsea started Reece James and Romeo Lavia in a two-man midfield, with Caicedo unavailable due to injury.

Saha Backs Xabi Alonso to Lead Chelsea to Premier League Title

Comments (0)