Chelsea urged to sign free agents John Stones and Robert Lewandowski
Joe Cole has advised Chelsea to target free agents John Stones and Robert Lewandowski to instill a winning culture in Xabi Alonso's new squad.
Фото: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Автор: Ank kumar
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has urged the club to overhaul its transfer strategy as Xabi Alonso prepares to take charge this July. The former midfield maestro will replace Liam Rosenior following a disappointing season that saw the Blues finish tenth in the Premier League.
Cole argues that while the squad is filled with expensive young prospects, it lacks the internal leadership required to compete at an elite level. He has identified John Stones and Robert Lewandowski, both of whom are available as free agents, as the ideal veteran additions to mentor the younger players.
They don't need to play every minute of every game, but they understand winning, they understand culture and they can still help out on the pitch. Joe Cole
The former England international believes that leadership must come from within the dressing room rather than relying solely on the manager's tactical instructions. According to Cole, failing to add this layer of wisdom and experience could prevent the current team from reaching its full potential, regardless of their individual technical talent.