During Chelsea's trip to Hong Kong, former head coach and club representative Roberto Di Matteo was interviewed by Hong Kong media.

On player recruitment

Di Matteo stated that a coach's primary responsibility is to refine the team's playing style and achieve the season's objectives, not to worry excessively about financial investment. Players and coaches naturally put pressure on themselves, so there is no need for external parties to add more. He also emphasized that financial planning is the responsibility of the board and management, and coaches should focus on their work on the pitch.

On Alonso

Though not old, Alonso has extensive coaching experience and demonstrated high-level performance during his time as a Bundesliga coach. Di Matteo has followed the Bundesliga closely and is deeply impressed by Alonso's ability to build a team's playing style and reshape the team's mentality. He believes Alonso is very knowledgeable and has a strong technical staff to support him.

On signing several veteran players in the summer transfer window

It is crucial to recruit a group of players with Premier League experience and mature mentalities, and players like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson can effectively stabilize the dressing room. He stressed that the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, and many foreign players struggle to adapt immediately. Veterans can help young players integrate quickly into the team both on and off the pitch. He also drew on his own experience joining Chelsea, when experienced players in the squad helped and guided new signings, which played a crucial role in the team's subsequent success.

More on Alonso

Di Matteo appealed to fans and the board to give Xavi Alonso more patience, as the team's tactical style, football philosophy, and mentality require long-term refinement and cannot be achieved overnight. He stated that many successful teams in football have only been built through the sustained leadership of their managers, and Chelsea should also give the new coach sufficient time to establish a system. Even if they cannot win a title immediately, as long as the team's development trajectory is correct and they continue to progress steadily, this can be considered a success.

The fact that Chelsea can still sign talented young players like Morgan Rogers, Di Matteo believes, is enough to demonstrate the club's strong appeal and clear long-term planning. He stated that even if the team cannot participate in European competitions this season, Chelsea remains an ambitious giant club, and its comprehensive support plans and development environment can still attract high-level players to join.

Regarding Chelsea's friendly against Juventus tonight, Di Matteo predicted it would be a very intense encounter, quite different from a casual warm-up match. (Note: the match has ended, with Chelsea losing 0-1.) He also praised the first-class facilities at the Kai Tak Sports Park, its elegant appearance and retractable roof, which create an excellent match atmosphere and represent a very high-quality football venue.

When asked if he planned to return to coaching, Di Matteo smiled and said he very much enjoys his current life and has no immediate plans to return to coaching, but football will always be an important part of his life, and he will continue to be involved in football in various ways in the future.

Traduzido por IA.

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