Chelsea should be looking at footballers for ‘leadership’ not ex-Rugby players

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the intentions of bringing in former professional Rugby player Willie Isa, and I’m not saying it is a bad idea. I mean, I can’t see many of the players not listening to him!!

But for many of the things he is apparently bringing, would it not just be better to have those kind of people on the pitch with the young players every week and in training every day? And would it not be better to have someone who has played the same sport as these youngsters?

The Athletic report a Chelsea source said the club’s thinking is to give every resource possible to help each player, on and off the pitch. Isa’s experience of playing at the highest levels of rugby league, knowing what it takes to win and maintaining his physical condition during a gruelling season, is just part of the reason he was hired.

Wigan head coach Matt Peet on why Chelsea hired Willie Isa from Wigan Warriors to act in a player-support role:

🗣 “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact he has at Chelsea. But he is a cultural architect. He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.

“Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with, Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people. Everyone at Wigan and in rugby league understands why Chelsea have made this move. It’s intelligent.”

Right, and all that is great, and all of the attributes he is bringing is needed and welcome.

But these are all the attributes that these young players need alongside them on the pitch. This is what they need from players in training every day. These are the role models they need to have on the pitch who they are looking up to and emulating every day. They should be emulating FOOTBALL players not Rugby players! Come on!

They speak about him bringing leadership. What is he going to do, be in the dug out every game shouting and motivating the players? Isn’t that the manager or captains job? Isn’t that the job of the senior players on the pitch? Oh wait, we don’t have any.

Listen, like I said, I see the intentions here. But this is quite literally one of the main reasons we have all been crying out for more balance with our recruitment. We need leaders ON THE PITCH, not just off it. The club can obviously see this is needed, but they address it indirectly instead of DIRECTLY. Sigh. Make it make sense.

Has anyone seen the last Rugby dude we hired by the way? Whatever happened to him!? Mr. Motivator not motivating anymore?