Mikel Obi questions Xabi Alonso’s tactical direction at Chelsea
John Obi Mikel has questioned whether Xabi Alonso will adapt his tactical system to suit Chelsea or persist with a back-three formation.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has questioned how manager Xabi Alonso intends to set up his team, saying the Spaniard must decide whether to use a back three or a four-man defence.
Mikel suggested Alonso’s preferred system at Bayer Leverkusen may not automatically suit Chelsea.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said Alonso enjoyed success with three central defenders in Germany but struggled after changing his approach during his spell at Real Madrid. He believes Chelsea supporters will closely judge both the team’s style of play and tactical identity.
The former Super Eagles captain compared the situation to Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United, arguing that managers sometimes need to adapt to a club’s traditions rather than insist on a preferred formation.
He questioned whether Alonso would remain committed to a back three or switch to a back four.
Alonso has previously declined to reveal his preferred formation, stressing that his focus is on building a competitive team rather than committing to one tactical system.
During pre-season, Chelsea have shown tactical flexibility, including spells in a 4-3-3 shape as the new manager evaluates his squad.
Chelsea’s tactical direction is expected to become clearer as the new Premier League season approaches. Alonso has emphasized creating an energetic, cohesive side, while supporters await further evidence of how his ideas will translate into competitive matches.
