New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has established a comprehensive pre-season plan designed to make an immediate impact on his squad. Alonso and his family are in the process of settling into London, a city chosen for its cultural appeal and opportunities for his teenage children. He engaged in transfer discussions remotely from Spain prior to his official start, collaborating closely with Chelsea's five-person sporting director team.
Alonso has expressed his desire for midfielder Enzo Fernandez to remain with the club. During his first media conference at Stamford Bridge, Alonso stated his intention to keep Fernandez, underscoring the player's importance. He also communicated with potential transfer targets, including new full-back Marco Palestra, to present his vision for the team.
Early Training and Player Assessment
In the week leading up to the first training session, Alonso and his staff conducted a fact-finding mission at the Cobham training ground in June. This visit allowed them to meet personnel and assess how individuals would integrate into the club's structure. The initial training sessions have involved physical testing, gym work, small-sided games, and finishing drills, with both single and double sessions scheduled.
Several younger players have been integrated into training, including midfielders Reggie Walsh and Landon Emenalo, winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, and defender Calvin Diakite. New signings Dastan Satpaev, Emmanuel Emegha, and Geovany Quenda have also participated. Recalled loan players Nicolas Jackson and Aaron Anselmino are currently being evaluated. Reggie Walsh won the bleep test on Monday, with Cole Palmer finishing second and teenage forward Estevao Willian third. Alonso noted that Palmer, who dealt with a recurring groin issue last season, is focused on fitness and can be a key player if he is enjoying himself.
Coaching Staff and Methodology
Alonso's coaching staff is composed of specialists. Ismael Camenforte Lopez, described as a "ball butler," is known for maintaining a high tempo in training sessions and is expected to play a significant role in fitness work. Assistant coach Alberto Encinas focuses on technical development. Sebastian Parrilla serves as Alonso's second-in-command, bringing extensive experience, while Benat Labaien combines coaching with a video analysis role utilizing advanced technology.
Alonso himself is actively involved in training drills. The team has scheduled behind-closed-doors friendlies against Crawley Town and Bromley before embarking on an overseas pre-season tour. This tour will include matches in Sydney against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham, followed by games in Hong Kong against Juventus, Jakarta against AC Milan, and finally Malaysia against Johor Darul Ta'zim.
The demanding tour schedule, involving extensive travel and multiple time zones, is somewhat mitigated by the fact that only eight Chelsea players participated in the World Cup. This pre-season period at Cobham is seen as crucial for building fitness, establishing standards, and developing foundational elements before more detailed tactical work commences on tour, at which point Alonso's preferred system, whether a back four or a back five, may become clearer.