Alonso’s tactical approach and pre-season goals
Xabi Alonso has outlined his footballing philosophy and tactical flexibility as Chelsea prepares for its first pre-season fixture. The team is set to play against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, with a kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm in Australia, which translates to 10:45 am UK time. This match will offer the initial opportunity for supporters globally to observe an Alonso Chelsea team in action.
The new manager emphasised a flexible approach to tactics and game plans. He stated that while the team’s core principles will remain consistent, they will explore different ideas and integrate new concepts. Alonso highlighted the importance of a gradual progression, focusing on building positive energy and chemistry within the squad. He anticipates that the team at the end of the season in May will be improved compared to its initial state in August.
During an open training session at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, Alonso’s hands-on coaching style was evident. The former midfielder actively participated in drills and maintained constant communication with his players. He expressed his enjoyment in being close to the team, contributing energy and intensity, and engaging directly with the ball.
Speaking about the initial leg of the pre-season tour in Australia, Alonso expressed his expectation for a productive and beneficial period in Sydney. He noted the infrequent opportunity to visit Sydney, underscoring the need to make the most of the current timing. The team’s schedule includes a second match on Saturday after the Tuesday fixture.
Training insights and squad observations
The open training session at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening provided an early glimpse into Xabi Alonso’s methods. The ticketed event, attended by both travelling and local media, preceded his first match in charge against Western Sydney Wanderers at Accor Stadium. Senior players such as Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Levi Colwill were involved in the session.
The training began with a centre-circle huddle, followed by a pre-match warm-up and a rondo, a possession-based drill where players form a circle and one player in the middle attempts to win the ball. Subsequently, the session progressed to a series of possession-focused exercises, concluding with a crossing and finishing drill.
A notable aspect of the session was the presence of a large and well-organised coaching staff working alongside Alonso. It was observed that established stars like Palmer received no preferential treatment over younger players, including Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nichol-Jazuli, both of whom are 16 years old and part of the squad. The event drew 4,500 fans, who demonstrated knowledge of the squad by encouraging staff members like Willie Isa and Calum McFarlane. A group of Kazakh fans was also present to support new striker Dastan Satpaev.
Injury updates ahead of the season
Regarding player fitness, Chelsea winger Geovany Quenda is anticipated to return from a minor injury during the club’s upcoming tour of Asia next week. The 19-year-old has been training under Alonso but was not part of the 27-man squad that travelled to Sydney due to a minor setback.
Quenda joins fellow summer signing Emmanuel Emegha on the sidelines. However, Emegha, a striker who joined from Strasbourg, is expected to face a longer period out. The Netherlands international is projected to be unavailable for the remainder of the overseas tour but is anticipated to return in time for the commencement of the Premier League season.
The first pre-season match for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso is scheduled for Tuesday against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Source: chelseafc.com
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”