Xabi Alonso begins pre-season preparations with Chelsea ahead of new campaign
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 5:44 PM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026
Xabi Alonso has initiated pre-season training with Chelsea, putting a focus on improving player fitness and physicality after the team finished 10th in the Premier League last season. Alonso's approach, likened to Mauricio Pochettino’s, emphasizes energy and purpose while aiming to bed in new tactics. Young players like Reggie Walsh and Estevao Willian are getting opportunities to impress during training sessions. Alonso's training includes physical assessments and various drills, as he adjusts to overseeing the squad ahead of the first match against Fulham in late August. The squad will also need to optimize transfer dealings to achieve European qualification this season.
- •Alonso's pre-season emphasizes physical fitness and team energy.
- •Youth players like Walsh and Willian join training after injuries.
- •Alonso aims for Chelsea to qualify for Europe this season.
- •Squad faces Fulham on opening day of the Premier League in late August.
- 5:44 PMYahoo Sports — Secret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at Chelsea
- 5:44 PMBBC Sport — Secret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at Chelsea
"Chelsea's entire pre-season is already mapped out by new boss Xabi Alonso, keen to make an early impact on his players before the season begins.
"Chelsea's entire pre-season is already mapped out by new boss Xabi Alonso, keen to make an early impact on his players before the season begins.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 5:44 PMSecret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at Chelsea
Chelsea's entire pre-season is already mapped out by new boss Xabi Alonso, keen to make an early impact on his players before the season begins.
- BBC SportJul 14, 2026, 5:44 PMSecret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at Chelsea
Chelsea's entire pre-season is already mapped out by new boss Xabi Alonso, keen to make an early impact on his players before the season begins.
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