Overview
- Alonso officially started at Stamford Bridge this week and has already led initial sessions at the club’s Cobham training base.
- The club has given him the title of manager, which gives him formal authority on tactics and a collaborative role with Chelsea’s sporting directors on transfers.
- Alonso publicly called Cole Palmer a “special player” and said he will shape his tactical plan to maximise Palmer’s influence in attack.
- The new manager also said he wants to retain record signing Enzo Fernández and will assess the midfield during pre-season preparations.
- Alonso arrives with strong recent credentials from Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, and faces an immediate rebuild pressure after Chelsea finished 10th and missed European football.