As Xabi Alonso embarks on his first week as Chelsea's new manager, the focus is on more than just tactics and transfers. Alonso's approach, likened to Mauricio Pochettino's blueprint, emphasizes physicality, a key area of improvement for the Blues after last season's shortcomings.
"Soul, purpose, and good energy" are the core messages Alonso has emphasized, and his comments suggest a keen awareness of Chelsea's recent struggles. With a new season approaching, Alonso's challenge is to rebuild and qualify for Europe, a tall order after a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
While the real test will come against Fulham in late August, Alonso's early days have been marked by a positive message and a focus on transfer business. He and his wife, Nagore Aranburu, have settled into London, attracted by the city's cultural offerings and their teenage children's interests. Alonso has been working remotely with Chelsea's sporting director team, quickly building a positive relationship and outlining his project to potential signings.
Alonso's coaching staff is a mix of specialists, each bringing unique skills to the table. Ismael Camenforte Lopez, known for his role in keeping training matches fast-paced, is expected to play a crucial early role, particularly in fitness work. Assistant coach Alberto Encinas focuses on technical development, while Sebastian Parrilla is Alonso's trusted right-hand man. Benat Labaien combines coaching with cutting-edge video analysis, utilizing drones and technology.
Alonso himself is hands-on, often participating in drills, a style that has earned him respect from former players. The next few weeks will be crucial, with behind-closed-doors friendlies against Crawley Town and Bromley, followed by an overseas pre-season tour. The trip, which includes matches against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham, Juventus, AC Milan, and Johor Darul Ta'zim, will be demanding, but the reduced World Cup involvement of Chelsea players could prove beneficial for building fitness and setting standards.
As Alonso maps out his preferred system, the question of his tactical approach remains. Will he opt for a back four, as seen at Real Madrid, or a back five, his successful formula at Bayer Leverkusen? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Alonso's start at Chelsea is an intriguing blend of physicality, tactical nuance, and a positive message.
Personally, I think Alonso's early focus on physicality is a smart move. Chelsea's lack of running last season was a glaring weakness, and addressing it early on shows a keen awareness of the team's needs. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Alonso's positive message and his keen attention to detail. It's a delicate balance, and I'm eager to see how he navigates it.
In my opinion, the real test will come when Alonso faces his former teammate Alvaro Arbeloa and their shared history at Real Madrid. That match will be a true indicator of how far Alonso has come and how well he's adapted to his new role. From my perspective, the early signs are promising, and I'm excited to see how Alonso's project unfolds, especially with the specialist skills of his coaching staff.
