Chelsea appoints Willie Isa as player support officer

Chelsea FC has appointed former rugby league player Willie Isa to a newly created player-support role amid a challenging season that has seen the team win only two of their last nine Premier League matches. The decision to hire Isa has raised eyebrows due to his background in rugby rather than football, with critics questioning the effectiveness of such an unconventional choice. Isa, who has a successful career in rugby league, is expected to bring insights on maintaining physical and mental well-being, although the specifics of his role remain unclear. His former coach at Wigan, Matt Peet, described Isa as a 'cultural architect' who can enhance the team's environment and leadership. Chelsea's leadership, under the Clearlake consortium, faces scrutiny as fans express skepticism about the ongoing management changes and the club's overall direction. The club's struggles continue to fuel debate over accountability among various stakeholders, including the coaching staff and ownership.