A manager is only as good as those working alongside him, and there will be plenty of pressure on Xabi Alonso’s backroom staff to help him deliver results at Chelsea.
Alonso has already confirmed he will bring long-time assistants Sebastian Parrilla, Alberto Encinas, Benat Labaien and Ismael Camenforte Lopez with him to Stamford Bridge when he takes over on July 1.
However, the group will have no experience between them of working for Chelsea, in an era where there is a desperation for some form of stability and experience at the club.
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Building Xabi Alonso’s dream Chelsea backroom staff
The Chelsea Chronicle have added a number of names to Alonso’s trusted quartet for who should be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge for the opening day of the new season.
Calum McFarlane
Two interim spells in charge of Chelsea has seen Calum McFarlane gain the respect of the squad, and a perfect carryover from the recent campaign.
Even during Liam Rosenior’s time in charge, McFarlane remained with the first team squad, and has already been confirmed to join the new Chelsea setup.
Bernardo Cueva
Chelsea paid big money to bring Bernardo Cueva into the setup to specialise in set-pieces, and their goal contribution from set-pieces went up drastically in the 2025/26 season.
The former Brentford man is another who has already confirmed to be part of the backroom staff next season.
Ben Roberts
The final current Chelsea coach who is already confirmed to be working alongside Alonso next season, Ben Roberts will be in charge of the goalkeeping department.
Roberts is close to Robert Sanchez following their time together at Brighton, and he is expected to remain the number one at this stage for next season.
Thiago Silva
It just makes sense doesn’t it. Thiago Silva has a huge admiration for Chelsea despite the plethora of top clubs he has played for.
The Brazilian recently confirmed he was leaving Porto after winning the league title in just half a season with the club, with him potentially retiring from the game.
Despite a long-standing promise he could return to the Chelsea setup in the future, it has been reported it is not in their current plans to bring Silva into the fold.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Not long after Silva’s departure from Porto was confirmed, fellow Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta announced he was retiring from the game.
The Spaniard was one of Thomas Tuchel’s favourite players to manage, and he gained the respect of the rest of the squad during his time as a captain.
It remains to be seen what Azpilicueta is planning going into next season, however Chelsea should be doing anything they can to convince him to make the switch into coaching in West London.
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