Photo: Ronnie Macdonald / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Gary Cahill is in Sydney this week in his role as Chelsea club ambassador, meeting supporters and attending community events during the club's pre-season tour of Australia.
The former Chelsea captain, who won multiple trophies at Stamford Bridge, is making his first-ever visit to Australia. He attended an open training session at Allianz Stadium and watched new head coach Xabi Alonso put the squad through their preparations ahead of Chelsea's opening tour fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers.
"It's great to watch the lads up close and to feel part of the group again. And I'm excited to represent the club here in Sydney," Cahill said.
Cahill described the pre-season period as critical for Alonso, who is taking charge of his first campaign with the club. The former England international said the tour environment gives the manager a unique opportunity to assess his players both on and off the pitch.
"It's a great opportunity for the new manager to get to know his players and for the players to understand what he wants from them," Cahill said. "He'll get to know his players on the pitch but also off the pitch, in terms of personality and I think that's so important for building a good team spirit."
Cahill also noted the significance of the occasion for players looking to earn a place in Alonso's plans. "It's a clean slate for them to impress. First impressions are obviously big, so I'm sure they'll be looking to do that in the games, in the training sessions, to try and get themselves in this team ready to start the season."
On his ambassadorial duties, Cahill met local children at a community football tournament in Sydney and is scheduled to meet supporters during his stay. He also made time for sightseeing, visiting the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.