Twelve Chelsea players have been pictured reporting for their first pre-season training session with new manager Xabi Alonso at the club's base in Cobham on Thursday
15:27, 09 Jul 2026Updated 15:31, 09 Jul 2026
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso met his Chelsea players for the first time on Thursday(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Xabi Alonso got the chance to meet some of his new Chelsea players today (Thursday) as the majority of the squad reported for their first pre-season training session under the manager.
Alonso started work officially as Blues boss at the start of the month but the real work has now got underway. Before Chelsea jet off to Sydney for the first leg of their pre-season tour later this month, the Spaniard will get the opportunity to work with those players not representing their country at the World Cup at the club's training base in Cobham.
Estevao Willian was one of 12 players pictured at Chelsea's Surrey headquarters in an enormous injury boost for Alonso. The Brazilian winger missed his country's participation at the World Cup due to a grade four hamstring injury but is back at the club's base for the start of a new era.
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Alongside Estevao were the likes of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill - all considered untouchable at Stamford Bridge this summer with club sources insisting all four are a huge part of the club's long-term vision. Liam Delap 's future is less certain but Chelsea's No.9 was spotted at Cobham for the beginning of pre-season.
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Robert Sanchez, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were also present for Alonso's first session as Blues boss. New signing Emmanuel Emegha was also pictured turning up for training for the first time since moving from sister club Strasbourg this summer.
Alonso rocked up to the club's base, his new home, this morning at the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Cobham. The Spaniard's first match as Chelsea boss comes on July 28 when the Blues take on Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
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