Joe Cole Blasts Chelsea's "Insane" Setup as Alonso Takes the Reins – and Names Two Free Agents Worth Pursuing

Xabi Alonso's arrival at Stamford Bridge has left Joe Cole torn between relief and bewilderment. The Chelsea legend cannot quite believe the west London club managed to land the highly coveted manager, yet he's equally concerned about what the 44-year-old is walking into.

Alonso, who takes charge on 1 July on a four-year deal, represents a significant coup for Chelsea following a disastrous campaign that saw them finish 10th and miss European football entirely. The Spaniard arrives with impeccable credentials – a playing career spanning Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, plus recent managerial success at Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will turn to Andoni Iraola after dispensing with Arne Slot, ending speculation that Alonso might return to Anfield.

Speaking exclusively, Cole revealed his surprise at Chelsea's pulling power. "Obviously, we're getting somebody who's operated at the highest level for club and country, both as a player and as a manager," he explained. "He understands the mentality of a big club, understands the Premier League. All of the aspects you need. I'm stunned that we've got him, but I'm very happy we've got him."

The 44-year-old pundit for TNT Sports believes Alonso's appointment signals a fundamental shift in how Chelsea operates. After Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca both carried the title "head coach," the club has now elevated Alonso to manager – a distinction Cole sees as crucial.

"The club needs a manager, not a head coach, because there's a lot of voices," Cole said bluntly. "There's a lot of inexperienced voices, at that level, in the ownership group. There's nobody with Xabi Alonso's knowledge and wisdom of how to run a football club, which is insane."

Cole's prescription is straightforward: give Alonso genuine authority and then get out of his way. The ownership must demonstrate humility and patience, allowing the manager to identify targets and build according to his vision. "Let him tell you the players he wants, then you go out and buy the players," Cole urged. "If you can't afford them, tell him, and he'll find another lot of players that he wants. But it has to be his players."

The former England international rejected comparisons to Brighton and Brentford's recruitment models, arguing that Champions League-level clubs require a different approach. "Every club has elite footballers, and you can't be getting players who could possibly be elite footballers, it has to be ready-made elite footballers at Chelsea," he insisted.

Rather than advocating wholesale squad overhaul, Cole believes surgical adjustments will suffice. Financial constraints, combined with the absence of Champions League revenue, may force the sale of a marquee player. However, he's identified a smart avenue for reinforcement: the free-agent market.

"I wouldn't be averse to going and getting players who are on a free. John Stones, Lewandowski," Cole suggested. "And just adding to the experience in the group. They don't need to play every game, every minute of every game. Letting them guide the new players through."

With Alonso's focus concentrated entirely on the domestic campaign – no European distraction – Cole believes the foundation exists for rapid improvement. "You sprinkle a few experienced players over that team, allow a bit of calm and let the manager work, and they'll be back up challenging for Champions League places next season," he concluded.

Cole's current enthusiasm for football extends beyond boardroom politics. The former midfielder recently appeared in Specsavers' Best Worst Team YouTube series, featuring Warley FC – an Essex Sunday league outfit that spectacularly imploded last season, losing 18 of 20 matches and shipping 81 goals. Under the guidance of assistant manager Micah Richards, the club staged a remarkable turnaround in 2025-26, winning 10 of their final 12 games to finish fourth.

Cole participated in a match for the club and came away impressed. "I loved it. It's always great to play football, and they've got a real good team spirit," he reflected. "The improvement was night and day. It was brilliant."

Beyond the competitive side, Cole emphasized grassroots football's broader value. Having retired in 2018 and previously played for a Sunday league side with childhood friends, he recognizes the mental health benefits and community spirit such ventures provide. "It's the unseen things – it's the camaraderie, it's just being with people rather than being behind your phone constantly. Fresh air. All of the little things that you get from playing. It's fantastic," he said, stressing the importance of encouraging participation at all levels.