Jamie Redknapp tells LiveScore Why Xabi Alonso Cannot Afford to Fail at Chelsea

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, Jamie Redknapp backed the Spaniard to succeed at Stamford Bridge, but admitted his difficult spell at Real Madrid has raised the stakes considerably.

Alonso’s reputation soared during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, yet his subsequent experience in Madrid proved far more complicated.

Redknapp believes that context matters.

“Obviously you have to take aside what happened to him at Real Madrid,” he told LiveScore exclusively.

He was also quick to point out just how unforgiving that particular job can be, describing Real as “a difficult club to manage”.

That does not mean Alonso can simply brush the experience aside. Chelsea now presents him with another major job and another opportunity to prove his coaching credentials at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Redknapp still has plenty of faith in him.

“He’s still a young man,” he said, before adding that Alonso can “go and manage” at the highest level.

For Chelsea, Redknapp’s verdict on the appointment itself was straightforward.

“For Chelsea, it’s a good signing,” he said.

The pressure now comes with making sure it remains a good signing several months down the line.

Another difficult spell after Madrid would inevitably change the conversation around Alonso. Success at Stamford Bridge, however, could quickly restore the momentum that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches.

Redknapp surprised Alonso chose Chelsea

There is another layer to the appointment that Redknapp cannot ignore.

Alonso spent five years at Liverpool as a player and remains hugely popular at Anfield, making his decision to join one of their Premier League rivals particularly eye-catching.

Asked exclusively by LiveScore whether he was surprised to see Alonso “go to Chelsea instead of Liverpool”, Redknapp replied: “Yes.”

“He is an icon at Liverpool,” he added.

That status makes the sight of Alonso in Chelsea colours unusual, particularly after years of speculation surrounding a possible future return to Merseyside as manager.

Redknapp admitted the rivalry “probably makes it a bit difficult for him”, although he does not believe Alonso’s Liverpool past should overshadow the opportunity in front of him.

For Chelsea, the calculation is simple: they have appointed a coach whose reputation remains enormous.

For Alonso, the equation is tougher.

Madrid can be explained away as “a difficult club to manage”. If Chelsea goes wrong too, there will be fewer excuses.