The Telegraph's Matt Law has asserted that Chelsea must step up their game under Xabi Alonso and contend in the Premier League title race right from the start, especially alongside other elite clubs facing managerial upheaval.
Law stressed that the club cannot hide behind a transition phase or the notion of a new era:
"If Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola are being expected to challenge for the title with Manchester City and Liverpool, then why should we not hold Alonso and Chelsea to the same standards? Forget any talk of Alonso and his players needing time or that this is a 'different' Chelsea compared to the Roman Abramovich days or how significant the gap is that the Blues need to make up on their rivals."
According to the expert, the talent within the squad and the ambitions of the hierarchy compel the Spanish manager to aim for the highest goals right from the opening games of the season, without any allowances for adaptation or a substantial squad overhaul.
