Chelsea's new head coach, Xabi Alonso, has quickly made an impression on his squad during their pre-season tour in Sydney, Australia, with players commending his flexible training methods and hands-on approach. Alonso, a former midfielder for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, has reportedly been actively participating in training sessions, even joining a staff-only game where he contributed by providing assists.
Players like Levi Colwill have noted Alonso's less rigid coaching style, which allows sessions to continue even when players are slightly out of position. This approach is seen as beneficial, acknowledging that live matches cannot be paused. "He's been spraying balls around for no reason' and playing 'a perfect pass every time'," Colwill was quoted as saying.
Beyond training, the tour has involved significant travel and adjustments. The team was advised by Chelsea's sports science department to adopt Australian time immediately upon departure from London, with meals and sleep schedules adjusted en route. A stopover in Sri Lanka included a stretching session. Meanwhile, members of the media covering the tour faced their own challenges, with one reporter noting the unexpected humidity in Singapore after packing for an Australian winter.
The team is staying at the W hotel in Sydney, overlooking Darling Harbour. During their time in Sydney, Alonso encountered Les Kiss, the new head coach of the Australia rugby union team, and engaged in a conversation. Separately, a running club has formed among the backroom staff, with Alonso himself aiming to run 10 kilometers three times a week, maintaining his routine despite jet lag and participating in golf.
Chelsea's open training session at Allianz Stadium drew 5,289 fans, including supporters of 17-year-old 'international trialist' Dastan Satpayev, whose transfer from Kairat will be finalized when he turns 18. The fans showed strong support for various players. During drills, fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez led the team, with Alonso offering occasional guidance, such as advising Romeo Lavia on spatial awareness. The session concluded with a crowd-pleasing moment as Alonso scored a 25-yard volley, demonstrating his continued skill.
Willie Isa, hired to improve squad mentality, also interacted positively with the local crowd. Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen participated in passing drills, with Alonso emphasizing playing from the back. Younger goalkeepers, Ted Curd and Teddy Sharman-Lowe, worked on catching crosses. Jorgensen's brief appearance in Sydney concluded as he was nearing a departure from the club.
During a visit to Sky Park, the training ground for Sydney FC, the team encountered a humorous WiFi password: 'Football Is Coming Home' with numbers replacing letters. The tour also included an unexpected moment when an Australian government emergency alert test message caused all mobile phones to emit loud sirens simultaneously.
For new staff members, initiation traditions included performing a Backstreet Boys song, "I Want It That Way." Cole Palmer was observed to be in good spirits, joking with teammates and expressing his hope for a more enjoyable upcoming season.
The tour also accommodated academy youngsters, including 16-year-olds Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, with activities like boat trips organized to keep them engaged. Meanwhile, senior players fulfilled sponsorship duties, with some visiting Bondi Beach and others attending a Q&A session hosted by the tour's partner, TMGM.
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali joined the tour before the match against Tottenham. News also emerged during the tour that Mykhailo Mudryk's suspension had been lifted, a development welcomed by many within the club. The players departed Sydney for Hong Kong on August 2, with Mudryk and new signing Danny Welbeck set to join the squad from London, as the team prepares for the season opener against Fulham in three weeks.