The Blue Print: Chelsea FC Tactics Podcast

In this episode, we break down the 4-4-2 defensive structure, exploring its key benefits and potential drawbacks, and why Xabi Alonso believes it could provide greater defensive balance. We discuss how the shape influences pressing, space coverage and defensive compactness, before comparing it with the 5-2-3 structure to understand the differences in their defensive organisation, strengths and vulnerabilities.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chelsea’s defensive problems have become increasingly difficult to ignore. In this episode, Fahd and Seun analyse Chelsea’s off-ball issues in open play and from set-pieces, exploring the structural and individual problems contributing to a leaky defence. From personnel to tactical issues, they discuss why Chelsea have struggled to consistently control dangerous situations without the ball and what needs to change to improve their defensive stability.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Chelsea’s evolving off-ball control strategy, analysing how it was implemented against Fulham and Brighton. We explore how Chelsea use their defensive structure, pressing, compactness and positioning to control matches without necessarily dominating possession, before discussing the pros and cons of the approach and whether it can be consistently effective against different types of opposition. Finally, we look ahead to the future of Chelsea’s tactical identity and how this off-ball strategy could develop over the course of the season.

Link to the article referenced: https://medium.com/@fahdahmed987/xabi-alonsos-off-ball-control-tactical-system-risks-and-rewards-during-early-implementation-22b2adea3538

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we explore how Chelsea could use multiple in-possession and out-of-possession shapes next season whilst maintaining a consistent set of tactical principles. We look at what we have seen during pre-season, how Xabi Alonso can adapt the team’s structure to different opponents and game states, and how this flexibility could maximise the qualities within Chelsea’s squad. We also break down the different tactical dynamics this could create and why Chelsea’s system may need to constantly evolve rather than remain fixed.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we analyse Chelsea’s latest signing Palestra, breaking down his individual profile, tactical fit within Alonso’s system, and the wider impact on the squad. We also assess Lacroix’s defensive qualities, exploring how his attributes could help solve some of Chelsea’s ongoing issues at the back.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of Chelsea FC's 2025/26 campaign, examining the key factors that shaped a turbulent season. The discussion covers recurring discipline concerns, the impact of injuries on squad stability and continuity, periods of inconsistent performances, managerial upheaval, and the wider structural issues that influenced results on and off the pitch. We also consider how these challenges affected the club's trajectory over the course of the season. Looking ahead, we provide an early outlook on the next chapter under Xabi Alonso, exploring the tactical direction he could bring to the team and discussing what Chelsea's summer recruitment strategy may need to prioritise in order to address existing weaknesses and build a more cohesive, competitive squad for the future.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we break down Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, as the Blues endured yet another painful loss at the final hurdle in the competition. We also dive into the appointment of Xabi Alonso, exploring what his arrival could mean from a tactical perspective and how his ideas may reshape Chelsea’s long-term identity.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we discuss the shock sacking of Liam Rosenior before diving into Chelsea FC’s alarming run of six consecutive Premier League defeats and whether their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are beginning to fade. We also explore potential managerial alternatives should Chelsea decide to make another change, with Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fàbregas emerging as Fahd and Seun’s preferred candidates. Alongside that, we critically assess Chelsea’s ownership and sporting director strategy, questioning the inconsistent decision-making, lack of squad balance despite heavy spending, and more.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

Fahd and Seun discuss some of the discipline issues that have appeared in recent games, looking at how they played a role in the draw against Burnley, the defeat to Arsenal, and the loss of composure against Leeds. They also reflect on the positives from Chelsea’s strong 4–1 win over Aston Villa. Finally, the focus shifts to Europe, as they look ahead to the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain and what Chelsea will need to do across the two legs.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we discuss Chelsea’s Brazilian trio – João Pedro, Estêvão Willian and Andrey Santos – looking at their individual profiles, development progress, and how each of them fit into Chelsea’s long-term project. From technical qualities and tactical suitability to their potential roles within the squad, we break down what they bring to the table and what to realistically expect from them moving forward.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, we discuss Chelsea’s appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach following Enzo Maresca’s departure, before analysing Rosenior’s tactical ideas through the lens of his Strasbourg teams and the similarities now emerging at Chelsea. We then review his first three games in charge against Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, and Brentford, assessing early patterns and adaptations, before looking ahead to Chelsea’s next five fixtures and what they could reveal about his approach. The episode concludes with a brief look at the winter transfer window, focusing on Chelsea’s reported interest in Jeremy Jacquet and how he may fit into Rosenior’s system.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

This episode dives into Enzo Maresca’s sacking, examining the deeper issues within Chelsea’s overall strategy that led to yet another managerial change. The conversation then turns to potential successors, with a particular focus on why Liam Rosenior has emerged as the leading candidate.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, Fahd and Seun break down why Chelsea’s patchy form continues to persist. They discuss the club’s recruitment strategy and how constant squad turnover has impacted chemistry and cohesion, before analysing how individual errors at key moments have repeatedly altered the tempo of games. The conversation then turns to Enzo Maresca, exploring what tactical adjustments he could make to reduce Chelsea’s defensive leaks while also improving the team’s attacking dynamics and control in possession.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, Fahd and Seun take a balanced look at the situation between Enzo Maresca and the club’s board, first outlining the context behind his recent press conference comments and why the past few days have felt significant.

They explore both perspectives: the board’s stance, shaped by differing expectations, financial considerations, constant evaluation, and a collaborative structure, and Maresca’s experience of managing amid constant change, repeatedly having to explain his work, and showing visible frustration, including his appeal to supporters. The discussion also considers whether these moments are emotional or strategic, and reflects on the significance of fans singing Maresca’s name after the Cardiff game.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

After a mixed run of results — wins over Burnley and an impressive victory against Barcelona, followed by a strong draw with Arsenal, but then a disappointing loss to Leeds and a frustrating stalemate against Bournemouth — one big question resurfaces: consistency. It’s a recurring theme this season, and in this episode, Fahd and Seun break down what’s behind the inconsistency, what it says about the team, and where things go from here.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

Despite not having a squad that stands out for physicality, Chelsea have been performing well in offensive set-piece situations. That success, however, hasn’t translated to defensive dead-ball moments, where vulnerabilities remain. In this episode, Fahd and Seun discuss Chelsea’s form over the past weeks since the last episode covering the Liverpool win, analysing its implications as the team heads into a challenging run of fixtures.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

Chelsea’s mood has flipped following wins over Benfica and a stunning late triumph against Liverpool. With confidence returning, could this be the moment Maresca’s side finally build momentum? Fahd and Seun discuss the crucial results as well as its tactical and morale implications.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

Three games, a 2-2 draw with Brentford, a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, and a surprise 2-1 loss to Manchester United have left Chelsea winless in both the Premier League and Champions League. Fahd and Seun break down the context behind those performances, debating whether there are genuine red flags or simply a bit of bad luck. An in-depth discussion to put things into perspective, with a brief look at Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

After the opening three Premier League games, the biggest talking point is Liam Delap’s hamstring injury against Fulham, which is set to keep him sidelined for 6–8 weeks. Fahd and Seun break down how Enzo Maresca might find internal solutions to fill the gap up front, while also discussing Marc Guiu’s loan recall from Sunderland and Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich.

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The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987

In this episode, Fahd and Seun break down Chelsea’s summer signings so far and briefly discuss potential arrivals still on the horizon. They also review the pre-season friendlies and set realistic expectations for the 2025/26 campaign.

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Follow us on Twitter for more!

The Blue Print: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheCheBluePrint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Seun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MobyChe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fahd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fahdahmed987