Former Arsenal defender, Nacho Monreal, has urged Chelsea supporters and the club’s hierarchy to remain patient with new manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the Spaniard needs time to successfully implement his ideas at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso was appointed after Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025/26 season, finishing ninth in the Premier League and missing out on European qualification.
The club believes the former midfielder is the right man to restore a winning mentality and lead a long-term rebuild.
Speaking with BetBrothers, Monreal stressed that expecting immediate success from Alonso would be unrealistic, despite his managerial qualities.
“It’s a big job for Xabi Alonso. It’s a big responsibility. I think he’s a really good manager, but my only concern is he needs time. If Chelsea gives him time, he’s going to do it really well.
“But in football, most clubs want results from the first day. And it’s going to be a big challenge for Xabi Alonso to do that.
“For example, in Real Madrid he was doing a good job, but they didn’t wait for him. In the first moment they had the opportunity to sack him. They did it.
“Chelsea have a good team, really, really good players. Are they a threat to Arsenal? Yes, of course. If you see Chelsea’s squad, you realise immediately that they have a really good team.
“We don’t know what will happen, but they can be a threat. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, anyone can be a threat, but I think Arsenal right now, is one step in front of the rest, without a doubt.”
Chelsea will begin the new campaign away to Fulham before Alonso takes charge of his first home league game against Brighton at Stamford Bridge next month.
Monreal believes supporters should temper their expectations, noting that the new manager will require time before his tactical philosophy begins to produce consistent results.
