EPL: Jaap Stam says Chelsea star Xabi Alonso must not joke.

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has urged the incoming Chelsea manager to give Jorrel Hato more playing time.

Stam may be addressing Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder who is also the ex‑Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager currently in the race to become Chelsea’s next head coach.

After a difficult beginning in west London, the 20‑year‑old, signed from Ajax for £37 million in the summer, has become one of Chelsea’s most dependable defenders.

During an interview with ComeOn, Stam criticized Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo and explained why Hato should remain in the starting XI.

“Jorrel Hato is a very talented player. When I saw him play as a centre‑back when Liam Rosenior was there, I was quite impressed.”

“I think he even played a big game against Man City, from what I recall. He’s very comfortable on the ball, which is typical for a player from Holland. He needs to be comfortable on the ball and able