Chelsea will be looking to mark the start of a new ownership era with a derby win away at Brentford on Friday night.
In the build-up to the Premier League meeting, it was confirmed that Clearlake – led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano – have now acquired full control of the club after buying stakes from chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter.
Manager Xabi Alonso, speaking to the media ahead of the short trip across the capital, believes a change in ownership is an “important” step forward for the Blues.
Touching on the ownership issue, Alonso said: “I think it is an important day for the club when there is an important change in the structure of the club, new ownership.
“Thanks to the former owners for what they have done. I was not here but I know that they played an important role. And now that Behdad [Eghbali] is taking more control, or almost full control, I think it is good that the main one is clear.
“I have a very good relationship with Behdad; he was the one who came to Madrid to explain the project to convince me and we are working well together. As I have mentioned, this is phase one we have completed in project of the squad. It is good and now we move on together.”
In terms of on-the-pitch topics, Alonso provided an update on both Joao Pedro and Reece James. The Spaniard insists both men are in contention to face the Bees, despite the former pulling out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international break and James not being involved in training earlier this week.
He added: “We will see tomorrow if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility. For Reece, it was just a decision for Tuesday and we see his development and tomorrow we will decide.”
Alonso was coy on whether Jordan Henderson could potentially make his debut against his former club. The England man has yet to play for Chelsea after a freak wrist injury sustained in the wake of England’s World Cup win over Mexico.
As for the Bees they head into this final game before the break in fine fettle and looking to maintain their impressive, unbeaten start to the season.
Keith Andrews’ side had an iffy end to last term winning just one of their last 11 – a run that kiboshed their hopes of qualifying for Europe. – but this term they remain unblemished with three wins and three draws from their six outings so far.
Speaking about the feelgood factor, Andrews said: “I love this place. I say to the players all the time that we don’t realise how lucky we are. We have a sign above the boot room that says exactly that; how lucky we are to be at an amazing place and be part of a special, special group.”
He added: “It’ll be an entertaining game (against Chelsea). Both teams are in a pretty good place and playing some good football. There will be a lot of talented players on show for both sides. It’ll be an enthralling derby.”
