Xabi Alonso is looking to make big changes at Chelsea with the Spaniard keen to compete for the biggest major trophies during his tenure at Stamford Bridge
17:23, 27 Jul 2026
Chelsea players have reportedly been enthused by Xabi Alonso's more free-flowing approach early on in his reign. It is said that they are being encouraged to solve problems and create openings in the moment rather than stick to a plan etched in their brain from sessions.
The Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer on a four-year contract, having been given the role of 'manager' rather than 'head coach'. Alonso is the first to take up that position at the Blues since Jose Mourinho in his second spell in 2013.
It is Alonso's first role since leaving Real Madrid in January after just seven months at the helm of the Spanish giants. The former Liverpool and Los Blancos midfielder previously enjoyed success at Bayer Leverkusen, where they went an entire German domestic season unbeaten in 2023/24 - ending the 11-year Bundesliga dominance of Bayern Munich.
BlueCo have opted with Alonso, who they believe is one of the brightest managerial talents in European football, to spearhead their long-term project in west London.
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And the early signs are promising, according to the Sun newspaper. It is claimed that Alonso's approach in training has been welcomed by Chelsea players.
It is said that the energy level has been high during their pre-season sessions in Sydney, Australia. This is reportedly in contrast to Chelsea’s last significant pre-season tour, in America two years ago, where sessions featured ex-Blues boss Enzo Maresca running players through rigid patterns.
It is also claimed that Alonso’s ability has not gone unnoticed by his players, with some reportedly revealing they have felt jealous of his level at times.
The ex-Bayern Munich and Real Sociedad star was fortunate to play under some of the game's greatest-ever managers, including Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking to Chelsea's official website after his appointment was confirmed, the 44-year-old admits some of their work will inevitably have worn off on him.
He said: "I have always had a collective vision, even when I was playing. So, I had almost the need to understand the game when I was playing it and that way of understanding football has helped me want to try to be a coach and now take the steps to be where I am right now, at Chelsea.
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"That's very common in midfielders and it's common when you have had big influences from many coaches, in San Sebastián, Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the national team as well, so they have helped me, all of them.
"But at the end you need to be your own coach, your own style, and you need to be authentic.
"You need to be able to transmit with authenticity and to have your own way of understanding football."