Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
New manager Xabi Alonso now spent plenty of time with his Chelsea players, and has started to work on what system they are going to use throughout the 2026/27 season.
The Blues have played three pre-season friendlies so far this summer, as well as two games behind-closed-doors.
Alonso will have learnt a lot about the players currently at his disposal, including which players will be easily replaced by some of the new signings and World Cup stars when they join up with the squad.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso working on tactical structure during Chelsea training
So far, Alonso has used a back four during the pre-season fixtures, even if new signings such as Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria seem more suited to a back three.
As per Nizaar Kinsella though, Alonso has only just started getting his ideas across to the squad regarding how they should be playing, ahead of the start of the Premier League in two weeks.
Chelsea Pre-Season Tour to Hong Kong
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
He told the ‘London is Blue’ podcast: “I get the sense that he’s still working on his system. He’s only just started working on his system now.
“So, I know that for a fact that the tactical sessions have only just begun in Hong Kong. He’s not seen a load of players. Pep Chavarria is not here yet. Henderson is not here yet.”
Reece James, Morgan Rogers and Enzo Fernandez are amongst the players who are yet to join up with the squad, and are amongst those who will walk straight back into the starting side.
This is assuming the World Cup winner stays at the club, with the confusion over that situation leaving Alonso with a bit of a tough decision to make in that role.
Xabi Alonso’s midfield conundrum
It has become clear during the pre-season friendlies that Alonso does not have full faith in the midfield options available to him in Asia.
This was shown by the fact he started 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli alongside Moises Caicedo against Juventus, despite having Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo available to him.
If Fernandez does leave, he will need to be replaced, with the likes of Alex Scott and Adam Wharton on the list as possible targets.
Alonso will not want this saga to extend to the final days of the transfer window, and will be hoping the club give him some clarity soon.