New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has wasted no time in implementing his vision at Cobham, with his initial pre-season programme drawing comparisons to Mauricio Pochettino's physically demanding approach. The 44-year-old's immediate focus has been on significantly enhancing the squad's physical conditioning, a response to Chelsea being outrun by opponents in all but one Premier League fixture last season. Alonso's message to his players has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasising 'soul, purpose and good energy', while subtly addressing the shortcomings of a campaign that saw the club finish a disappointing 10th in the Premier League.
Alonso's first week has been meticulously planned, even before his official start. He worked remotely from Spain, engaging with Chelsea's sporting director team on transfer matters, including discussions with Marc Cucurella before his Real Madrid move, a call to Enzo Fernandez regarding his future, and outlining his project to new full-back Marco Palestra. The former Real Madrid midfielder has publicly stated his desire for Fernandez to stay at Stamford Bridge. Furthermore, Alonso and his staff undertook a fact-finding mission to Cobham in June, prior to their contracts commencing, to familiarise themselves with club personnel and operational structures.
Training sessions have been rigorous, incorporating physical testing, gym work, small-sided games, and finishing drills, with a mix of single and double sessions. A notable aspect of Alonso's early tenure is the integration of several promising young players into the first-team set-up. Midfielders Reggie Walsh and Landon Emenalo, winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, and defender Calvin Diakite have all been involved, bringing a fresh dynamic to the squad. New signings Dastan Satpaev, Emmanuel Emegha, and Geovany Quenda are also participating, alongside recalled loanees Nicolas Jackson and Aaron Anselmino who are currently under assessment.
The intensity of the physical regime was highlighted by a bleep test held on Monday, which was notably won by Reggie Walsh, whose physical development has been praised. Cole Palmer, who battled a recurring groin issue last season, finished an encouraging second, while teenage forward Estevao Willian secured third place. Alonso expressed satisfaction with Palmer's commitment, stating, "He wants to be fit. He wants to put behind him the injury setbacks he had to cope with last year. He's special and, if he's enjoying himself and in a good mood and spirit, he can be a key player for us. So far, so good." Regarding Estevao, he added, "We want to be careful with him. So far, he's feeling better and he's a very talented player."
With a coaching staff comprising numerous specialists, including Ismael Camenforte Lopez, Alonso is clearly aiming to build a highly professional and physically robust team. While the full impact of his changes will become clearer when Chelsea faces Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season in late August, the early signs indicate a manager determined to instil a new level of discipline and performance from the outset.