There is no doubt that Xabi Alonso will have been watching on from afar as Chelsea faced Tottenham on Tuesday night, and before the game, Cole Palmer shared the squad’s thoughts about the Spaniard.
Alonso was confirmed on Sunday after initial reports emerged moments after the defeat to Man City at Wembley in the FA Cup final. The former Leverkusen and Madrid boss has signed a four-year contract.
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The Spaniard spoke about a “clear alignment” with BlueCo, which played a key factor in taking the job, while also being named ‘manager’. The first of BlueCo’s five managerial appointments to win that title.
For the first time since the Alonso appointment was confirmed, Chelsea were in action as they played host to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Before the game, Palmer spoke about the coup to get Alonso signed.
Cole Palmer answers Xabi Alonso question before Spurs clash
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Palmer was asked about the appointment of Alonso. It has been reported that the Chelsea squad are excited to work with the former Real Madrid manager.
Xabi Alonso addresses media ahead of Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah
Photo by Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images
Palmer confirmed those reports, declaring that the squad are excited to welcome Alonso to the club and are looking forward to working under him. Certainly, Alonso’s confirmation has caused optimism to grow.
“Everyone’s excited, he’s a top manager so we can’t wait to get started,” Palmer said when asked about Alonso’s appointment. He added: “The motivation should be there, but everyone wants to impress him.”
The England international looked incredibly sharp on Tuesday night, playing a key role in the opener for Chelsea. But his comments are interesting, and not just because he details the squad’s stance on Alonso.
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There have been multiple reports suggesting Palmer could leave. Even today, Joe Cole suggested Chelsea would have to sell one of Palmer, Fernandez, Joao Pedro or Moises Caicedo to raise funds this summer.
With a price tag of £150m slapped on his head, Palmer is unlikely to leave any time soon and with Alonso now on board, Palmer made it quite clear that he is looking to work with Alonso – rather than leave him.
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