Home · Sports · Sep 11 archive
Chelsea are out of control: Is this what new coach Xabi Alonso wants?
Confirmed
In Short: Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has been in scintillating form since joining the club, scoring 25 goals since the start of last season, including a crucial goal in the Club World Cup final.
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has been in scintillating form since joining the club, scoring 25 goals since the start of last season, including a crucial goal in the Club World Cup final. Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's new coach, draws comparisons between Pedro and former teammate Karim Benzema, praising Pedro's style and comparing him to Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
Pedro's performance has been so impressive that he recently signed a new contract with Chelsea, committing to the club until 2034, and was given the number nine shirt at the start of the season. Despite his individual brilliance, Chelsea's recent match against Arsenal ended in a 2-1 defeat, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles.
Alonso, who made 195 appearances alongside Benzema at Real Madrid, sees similarities between the two players, suggesting Pedro is at a comparable level. However, the team's midfield remains a concern, with Gary Neville on Sky Sports noting that Chelsea did not bring in a new midfielder after Enzo Fernandez left on transfer deadline day, leaving the team 'a little short' according to Neville.
In Formula 1, efforts are underway to assist Honda, Aston Martin's engine supplier, with a fresh rules concession plan to help them progress and keep Fernando Alonso in the sport. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is working on this plan, with discussions ongoing to secure Alonso's future in F1.
What's confirmed
- Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has been in scintillating form since joining the club, scoring 25 goals since the start of last season, including a crucial goal in the Club World Cup final. Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's new coach, draws comparisons between Pedro and former teammate Karim Benzema, praising Pedro's style and comparing him to Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
- Pedro's performance has been so impressive that he recently signed a new contract with Chelsea, committing to the club until 2034, and was given the number nine shirt at the start of the season. Despite his individual brilliance, Chelsea's recent match against Arsenal ended in a 2-1 defeat, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles.
- Alonso, who made 195 appearances alongside Benzema at Real Madrid, sees similarities between the two players, suggesting Pedro is at a comparable level. However, the team's midfield remains a concern, with Gary Neville on Sky Sports noting that Chelsea did not bring in a new midfielder after Enzo Fernandez left on transfer deadline day, leaving the team 'a little short' according to Neville.
- In Formula 1, efforts are underway to assist Honda, Aston Martin's engine supplier, with a fresh rules concession plan to help them progress and keep Fernando Alonso in the sport. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is working on this plan, with discussions ongoing to secure Alonso's future in F1.
What's still developing
- It was the first time Joao Pedro has won the award as he finished ahead of team-mate Cole Palmer, who was Chelsea 's previous recipient in September 2024.
- Alonso is currently weighing up whether he wants to stay in grand prix racing next year, as he feels little excitement for F1’s current regulations and is facing competitive uncertainties too.
- It is unclear what fresh assistance Stroll and Alonso are chasing now, and sources suggest that discussions have not yet got as far as any formal rule change details being focused on and talked about in detail with Honda.
- He revealed that he was awaiting some feedback from Alonso about what the FIA can do to assist things.
- Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said at the Madring circuit that a decision on Alonso’s future would depend on a lot of factors.
- It has emerged at the Spanish Grand Prix, however, that efforts are underway behind the scenes to give Aston Martin’s struggling engine supplier Honda an extra helping hand for 2027 – and therefore boost Alonso’s incentive to remain.
- Fresh from a difficult Italian Grand Prix outing for Honda’s upgraded power unit, Ben Sulayem met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll on Thursday to discuss a potential action plan that can help both his squad’s competitive fortunes and secure a fresh contract with Alonso.
- It is understood that the FIA president, having spoken to Alonso at Monza, plans further talks with the two-time world champion in Madrid to try push forward with a package of measures that can help.