Xabi Alonso, the new manager at Chelsea, has confirmed that Reece James will continue as the club captain. Alonso, who took over in May after departing Real Madrid earlier this year, has also expressed his desire for midfielder Enzo Fernandez to remain at the club.
James was appointed captain in August 2023 and has been a product of the club’s academy. Despite facing muscle injuries during his tenure at Chelsea, he made 39 appearances across all competitions last season and was part of England‘s World Cup squad. Alonso praised James, highlighting his versatility and connection to the club, stating, “He can do everything. He can attack from inside or outside. He can deliver, he’s good at set-pieces, he has blue DNA, which is very important, and we transmit that to the whole team and new players. He’s going to be the captain.”
Squad Updates and Transfer Speculation
Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British-record transfer fee of £106.8m, had a strong season last term, scoring 10 Premier League goals and providing four assists in 36 appearances. Despite reports linking him with a move away, including to Real Madrid, Alonso has indicated his wish for Fernandez to stay, having engaged in private discussions with the player. Real Madrid had previously denied any interest in the midfielder.
Alonso confirmed that there is interest from other clubs in winger Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho, who did not participate in Alonso’s initial training session this week, has been linked with Roma, among other clubs. Reports suggest Chelsea is prepared to sell him for £50m this summer. Alonso noted, “The situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors and there is an interest for him from other clubs. So let’s see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.”
Striker Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, is expected to join Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Asia. Alonso expressed anticipation for working with Jackson, stating, “I look forward to starting with Nico at that time.”
Alonso’s Vision for Chelsea
Alonso also outlined his ambitions for Chelsea, with European qualification being a key target for his first season in charge. He emphasized the importance of a clear playing philosophy and a collective drive for success. “For sure that’s a goal,” Alonso said regarding European qualification. “But to reach that goal, you need to do many right things and to be part of that process, how do we want to play, how we want to see ourselves, how we want to approach a game wherever we go.”
He continued, “That’s my job. That’s why I am really looking forward to having the whole squad. At the moment, we have some bids, but it’s early days so far. But for sure, we want to be there and time will tell. But we are ambitious and we in Chelsea need to share that energy, that ambition, as well as that hunger to want to have success.”
Both James and Fernandez were absent from the initial pre-season training as they are set to face each other in the England versus Argentina World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Alonso began working with a reduced squad this week as some players are still participating in the World Cup.
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Source: skysports.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.”