What does the future hold for Fofana?

[Getty Images] Xabi Alonso has picked his strongest XI for three of his five matches during pre-season, and all three featured Wesley Fofana. However, Chelsea have signed Maxence Lacroix and have nine centre-backs on their books. In addition, the club also has a group of players it considers "untouchable", meaning they are not for sale - but Fofana does not feature on that list. When this was put to Fofana, he replied: "Yes we have a lot, I think there are nine or 10. Everyone needs to be good, to train well and after the manager takes the decision. It's like this for everyone. "Maybe some guys will leave, others will come again. For myself, it is about training well, trying to be fit and we will see what the manager does. If the club tells me they don't need me anymore, it is like this. Of course I will be sad, but this is football. You can't say 'I have my place and I am sure to play'." It seems unlikely Fofana will leave and, indeed, he wants to stay and believes in a positive future for Chelsea. He is among the players who have been convinced by assurances from the sporting directors and board about a change of direction, embodied by the signings of senior players Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. Fofana says the duo, aged 36 and 35 respectively, "know how to win big games", will be "important in training sessions" and may give one or two players "a kicking" if they are slacking. However, he believes managerial stability under Alonso will define whether Chelsea succeed or not. "I think everyone knows we need stability," he adds. "We talked last season with the directors and they said the same thing. They think the same way as the players. We need stability." Read the full article here