Terry: I like Alonso very much, Chelsea players speak highly of him

Blues legend John Terry is pleased with Xabi Alonso's performance since taking over at Chelsea, and praised the club's decision to change its transfer strategy this summer.

Alonso took over at Stamford Bridge this summer, and the Spanish manager still has a lot of work to do after a disappointing tenth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Alonso received strong backing from the club in his first transfer window since taking charge. Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million, and also brought in Lacroix, Palestra, Valentín-Barco, and Chavarria.

In addition, Chelsea has begun to address the team's lack of experience, signing Henderson and Welbeck from Brentford and Brighton respectively.

Terry said in a short video: "I really like Alonso, I admired him as a player. I also met him at the training ground recently and got a very good feeling from him. I've also talked to some players, and I know it's still early days, but the players have been very positive about him, including his training sessions. Also, I have to say, given the current market environment Chelsea is in and the current state of the team, I think Alonso is the best option we could get. I think this is an excellent signing. To have a manager who is so young, ambitious, and able to connect with the players, I think that's the most crucial point."

In previous transfer windows, Chelsea had always adhered to a transfer strategy centered on young players. But now, the club's owners have changed direction and are more willing to bring in players who already have mature experience for the first team.

The arrival of Premier League veterans Welbeck and Henderson embodies this change, and Terry believes that both can play a key role in the new season under Alonso.

Terry added: "It feels like we've certainly lacked some experience in the past few years, and now the team has made up for that. So, with Welbeck coming in, Henderson arriving, and Lacroix in defense, I think they will all be very important players. They will also be standard setters within the team, because these players have competed at the highest level.

"For me, Welbeck is an excellent signing. As for Henderson, I talked about him during the World Cup, he is still a top player, still has a lot to contribute, and can help and guide these young players.

"I think everyone agrees that we have a lot of very good young players, and the team has always been eager to add experience. So, now we not only have an experienced manager, but also three or four very good veteran players."

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