After recent rumors of Xabi Alonso potentially taking the Chelsea bench, legendary defender Glen Johnson says Alonso could suffer the same fate as Rafa Benitez if the move happens.
After the constant search for a coach who can arrive at Chelsea's bench to stabilize the team, many names have emerged, among them is Xabi Alonso, who was fired from Real Madrid a couple of months ago. However, the legendary Blues defender Glen Johnson does not think it is the best idea and used a clear example to make his point.
Johnson mentioned that a possible arrival of Xabi Alonso to Chelsea's bench would suffer the same fate as Rafa Benitez, who, in the 2012/13 season, arrived as interim coach at Stamford Bridge and, despite having good results and even winning the Europa League, never ended up winning the affection of the fans.
Why did this happen? Simple, Benitez made Liverpool champions of the Champions League in 2005 after eliminating Chelsea with a very controversial goal in the semifinals. Something that, even with the passage of time, the Blue fanbase could not forget, ending the possibility of Benitez staying as the team's coach officially.
The problem Johnson mentions is that Xabi Alonso was part of that 2005 Liverpool squad, which makes it highly likely that the player could suffer a stint on the Chelsea bench similar to or even worse than Benitez's nearly 15 years ago.
Johnson said the following: "I think the people of Liverpool would give him time. But, as we have seen, if he took that position, it is possible that the Chelsea fans would not be so...
The coach will see that Chelsea is perhaps the most difficult bench in the world. A young coach does not have six months, nor a year, nor even 18 months.
You have to arrive and win immediately, something difficult even for experienced coaches with titles, as has been seen. It is almost impossible for anyone. It would be crazy for a young and novice coach, as we have just seen."
We can only be patient and see how the summer progresses to discover what the board's choice will be to occupy a bench that is, without a doubt, too hot right now. And if the coach who arrives is capable of controlling a locker room that can turn against you at any moment, just ask Rosenior.
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