Joao Pedro scored a dramatic late hat-trick as Xabi Alonso kicked off his Chelsea tenure with a chaotic 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Wanderers. The Blues showed incredible attacking flair in a 10-goal thriller, but defensive vulnerabilities left the new manager with plenty to ponder.
Chelsea have sensationally entered the market for Brighton veteran Danny Welbeck as they look to add proven experience to their attacking ranks. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has reportedly emerged as a key target for Xabi Alonso, who is eager to balance his youthful squad with seasoned Premier League leadership.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has signalled that the club's whirlwind summer of spending is far from over, despite already shattering records to reshape the squad. The Spanish coach also spoke about a specific tactical blueprint for integrating record signing Morgan Rogers into the starting XI alongside Cole Palmer.
Morgan Rogers has opened up on the pivotal role Xabi Alonso played in his decision to complete a blockbuster move to Chelsea. The versatile attacker, who arrives from Aston Villa as a new British record signing, admitted that the chance to work under the Spanish tactician and reunite with his "best friend" Cole Palmer made the choice an easy one.
Chelsea have officially confirmed the landmark signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal worth a staggering £117 million ($157m). The 23-year-old forward arrives at Stamford Bridge as the most expensive British player in history, surpassing the previous record recently set in this frantic summer window.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has wasted no time in stamping his authority at Cobham, implementing a grueling pre-season fitness regime to address the squad's physical shortcomings after a campaign where the Blues were statistically outrun by nearly every Premier League opponent. Star man Cole Palmer has already led by example, defying his previous injury setbacks to claim an impressive finish in a demanding bleep test.
Newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has declared his intention to build his team around "special player" Cole Palmer. Despite missing out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the ongoing World Cup, where the Three Lions have reached the semi-finals, the attacker is determined to shine. Alonso believes the midfielder has the unique quality to lead the Blues back to the top.
Xabi Alonso has opened up on his decision to take the Chelsea job, admitting that his arrival at Stamford Bridge over a sentimental return to Liverpool was simply a matter of timing. The Spaniard, who enjoyed a legendary playing career at Anfield, was officially unveiled as the new Blues boss after leaving Real Madrid, where he took charge during one of the club's most difficult seasons before departing prior to the end of the campaign, having previously enjoyed a highly successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to sign free agent John Stones, arguing the England defender would bring experience and leadership to a young squad. The former Blues striker believes Chelsea's lighter schedule next season could also help minimise concerns over Stones' injury record.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has firmly expressed his desire to keep midfielder Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge despite escalating exit rumours. The Argentinian international has been intensely linked with a move to Real Madrid after his agent allegedly explored summer exit options, but his new club manager remains determined to retain him.
Xabi Alonso has spoken of his excitement and honour at taking charge of Chelsea, using his first press conference as head coach to outline his ambitions for the club and his eagerness to return to the Premier League after years away from English football.
Alejandro Garnacho’s turbulent time at Stamford Bridge looks set to reach a premature conclusion following comments from new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. The Argentine international, who arrived in West London with high expectations just twelve months ago, is now being linked with a move away as the club looks to reshape its squad.
Xabi Alonso has expressed his immense excitement regarding the vast potential of his new Chelsea squad after officially taking charge at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old tactician has issued a firm demand for relentless hard work during pre-season, promising disillusioned supporters that a prosperous new era is on the horizon.
Chelsea have suffered a significant blow in their summer transfer plans after Sunderland swiftly rejected an opening bid for Granit Xhaka. The Blues reportedly submitted an offer to reunite the midfielder with new manager Xabi Alonso, but Sunderland have deemed it "unacceptable" and insisted that he is not for sale under any circumstances.
Chelsea have reportedly entered talks with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge. The veteran Switzerland international is said to be open to the move, which would see him reunite with Xabi Alonso after their historic title-winning campaign together at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea have moved swiftly to secure their first major signing of the summer, reportedly reaching a £47 million agreement for Atalanta’s rising star Marco Palestra. The 21-year-old Italy international has chosen Stamford Bridge over a move to Inter Milan, handing new manager Xabi Alonso a significant boost ahead of his debut campaign in west London.