Chelsea FC's senior revolution is in full swing, with Xabi Alonso at the helm. The 44-year-old coach has impressed his players with his accurate short passes and trademark cross-field balls during pre-season training in Sydney. Levi Colwill, a standout ball-playing centre-back, has praised Alonso's coaching style, saying he feels "jealous" of the attention he's receiving.
What happened?
Alonso's journey to Chelsea FC began with his father, Periko Alonso, a fellow Spain international and former Real Sociedad and Barcelona player. As a child, Xabi would stand next to Periko in the kitchen as he prepared his training sessions for the next day. This early exposure to coaching likely influenced Alonso's decision to pursue a career in football.
Why it matters for Chelsea FC
Alonso's emphasis on team-building and player development is paying off, with Levi Colwill and Nicolas Jackson impressing in pre-season training. The whole squad has been allowed time to explore, go to the cinema, and do tourist activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the players.
What comes next?
Chelsea FC's new era under Xabi Alonso is underway, with the experienced coach leading a senior revolution at the club. Alonso's coaching style, characterized by slowing the game down, has been praised by his players. With the team's current league standing (6th in Premier League, 48 pts, 13W-9D-10L from 32 games, recent form LLLWL) and goals this season (53 scored, 41 conceded (+12 goal difference)), Chelsea FC is looking to make a strong push for the title, currently 22 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Secret meetings and older players
Alonso held discreet meetings in London and his hometown of San Sebastian over three weeks in early May to ensure Chelsea FC was the right fit. Despite questions as to why he chose the Blues over his former club Liverpool, there was no offer on the table from the latter - and last month Alonso said "timing" took him to Chelsea FC rather than Anfield.
Title race
Chelsea FC's new era under Xabi Alonso is underway, with the experienced coach leading a senior revolution at the club. Alonso's coaching style, characterized by slowing the game down, has been praised by his players. With the team's current league standing (6th in Premier League, 48 pts, 13W-9D-10L from 32 games, recent form LLLWL) and goals this season (53 scored, 41 conceded (+12 goal difference)), Chelsea FC is looking to make a strong push for the title, currently 22 points behind leaders Arsenal.
