Chelsea's pre-season Asia tour took a fiery turn as new set-piece coach Austin MacPhee was involved in a heated touchline altercation. The former Aston Villa man had to be physically restrained by manager Xabi Alonso after tempers boiled over during a dramatic 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez believes the lack of European football at Stamford Bridge this season could prove to be a significant advantage in their quest for Premier League glory. The Spanish shot-stopper is confident that the Blues are ready to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has offered a fascinating insight into his man-management methods after leading the Blues to a dominant 3-0 pre-season victory against AC Milan in Jakarta. The Spaniard made the bold decision to ignore the fatigue of one particular star to help him overcome a significant psychological hurdle.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has urged new manager Xabi Alonso to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. Alonso has overseen a major summer squad rebuilding process following a disappointing tenth-place finish last term, but Leboeuf insists the Spaniard must prioritise bringing in a new shot-stopper.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reassured supporters regarding the fitness of Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill after both players missed the pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong. The Blues suffered a narrow defeat on Wednesday, but Alonso confirmed the absences were merely precautionary measures following minor contact injuries sustained earlier in the tour.
Xabi Alonso has confirmed Mykhailo Mudryk could feature against Juventus in Hong Kong after his four-year doping ban was rescinded. The winger rejoined the Chelsea squad on Tuesday, receiving a massive reception from local fans. Despite the Ukrainian returning to group training, his long-term future remains uncertain as three Premier League clubs circle.
The winger has joined up with Xabi Alonso's squad on the pre-season tour of Australia and south-east Asia, but more than 600 days on from his last appearance, his future at the club is up in the air
New Chelsea Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on the "scars" left by his brutal departure from Real Madrid as he begins a fresh chapter in the Premier League. The Spaniard, now tasked with reviving The Blues' fortunes, admitted that his decision to move to Stamford Bridge was driven by a deep emotional and professional connection.
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