The Chelsea squad has commenced its pre-season training under new manager Xabi Alonso at the club’s base in Cobham. The initial sessions have seen players who were not involved in the World Cup returning to prepare for the upcoming season. This marks Alonso‘s first official training as the Blues‘ boss, following his appointment at the beginning of the month.
A number of familiar faces were present, including Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Estêvão Willian. Their early involvement with the new manager is seen as potentially beneficial for the season ahead. Estêvão Willian, a Brazilian winger, was among the players pictured at the Surrey headquarters. He had missed his country’s participation in the World Cup due to a grade four hamstring injury but has now returned to the club’s training base.
Other players who reported for the initial pre-season training include Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill. Club sources indicate that these four players—João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Josh Acheampong, and Levi Colwill—are considered integral to the club’s long-term vision at Stamford Bridge. The presence of these players provides what has been described as an injury boost for Alonso as he begins his tenure.
New Arrivals and Returning Players
The training sessions also featured some new additions to the squad. Geovany Quenda, a recently announced signing, was present. Striker Emmanuel Emegha, who moved from sister club Strasbourg this summer, was also pictured participating in his first training session with Chelsea. Another notable presence was Dastan Satpaev, who was granted special permission by FC Kairat to train with the squad before his eighteenth birthday.
In addition to these new faces, several other players joined Alonso‘s first session. These included Robert Sanchez, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia. The future of Liam Delap, Chelsea‘s number 9, is reportedly less certain, but he was also observed at Cobham for the start of pre-season preparations.
Manager’s Schedule and Upcoming Tour
Xabi Alonso‘s first news conference as Chelsea manager has not yet been scheduled, according to reports. However, the club is expected to hold an ‘unveiling’ event in London, likely at Stamford Bridge. This event is anticipated to take place after Alonso has conducted several training sessions and had time to establish himself within the club.
Following the London event, Chelsea is set to embark on a pre-season tour that will include destinations in Australia and various Asian locations. Alonso is expected to speak further during this overseas tour. His first match as Chelsea boss is scheduled for July 28, when the Blues will face Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
The initial training period at Cobham allows Alonso to work with the players not representing their countries at the World Cup. This opportunity provides him with valuable time to integrate his strategies and build rapport with a significant portion of the squad before the full team regroups. The players are channelling their energies into stellar performances for the Blues.
The training attire for the sessions included sleeveless shirts, which were noted as not being available for purchase at the Megastore. Alonso arrived at the club’s base on the morning of the first training session, marking the beginning of a new chapter at Cobham.
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Source: weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”