John Terry is excited to see just how well Xabi Alonso does at Chelsea next season.
BlueCo announced Alonso will take charge from July 1 and with the title 'manager' — something his predecessors didn't have — there is huge expectation on the 44-year-old's shoulders.
The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss has the full backing of one of Chelsea's biggest legends, though.
John Terry predicts how Xabi Alonso will do at Chelsea
Former captain, John Terry, is certain Alonso will hit the ground running and make the changes required to guide the side back to where they should be.
"I don't think he'll struggle at all. I think he'll come in the building on day one and have respect as a player and as a manager. To go on and do what he's done in such a short career as a manager [has earned it for him]," Terry told ESPN.
"That Liverpool - Chelsea rivalry will always be there. I hope Liverpool regret not getting him, because that would mean Chelsea have then been successful, so I hope that's the case.
"100% from the Chelsea supporters; this is a positive signing. I'm sure he's going to get a massive response at the opening day of the season. Naturally, like all managers or ex-players, he'll be judged by his results, but I love the fact that he's in the building."
Alonso averaged 2.14 points per game during his hugely successfully three years at Leverkusen, which included going unbeaten on the way to the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
And there is hope the 44-year-old can do just as well, if not better, at Stamford Bridge — something very few before him in recent years failed to master.
Alonso superior to past managers including Rafa Benitez
Comparing Alonso's appointment to Rafa Benitez's in 2012, Terry pointed out how Alonso's stature within the game will make Chelsea an appealing destination for some of the sport's best players.
"If I was a player coming into Chelsea and I sat with Alonso; I look at the difference between sitting with him or Rafa [Benitez] -- I know who I would like to sign for -- I would like to sign for Xabi and would like to come and play for him because he's a great man; he's a great technician [and] he was a top player," the Chelsea legend said.
"These managers — you're seeing Frank Lampard do well in the game and him -- they're on such a good wavelength with the players, I think it's perfect because they can tap into what they were doing when they were playing and what they liked and stuff. So, I think it's going to be a really positive signing and I'm delighted to have him in the building."
Terry was sold by Benitez after the Spaniard deemed the Englishman surplus to requirements following a limited number of minutes during his only year in charge.
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