Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso under pressure to win a trophy and boost squad

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien warned that Xabi Alonso must deliver a trophy next season to keep the club’s owners satisfied after a disappointing campaign that saw the Blues finish tenth and miss European competition. Essien highlighted the need for immediate success at Stamford Bridge.

Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly urged Alonso to sign Al‑Hilal striker Darwin Núñez, saying the 26‑year‑old could add something special to the team’s system. Chelsea are reportedly targeting a centre‑back, a midfielder and an attacker, with co‑owner Behdad Eghbali planning to tweak the recruitment model. Núñez, who scored nine goals and recorded five assists for Al‑Hilal, is expected to leave the Saudi club this summer.