Photo: Giovanni Batista Rodriguez / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Xabi Alonso has outlined his approach ahead of Chelsea's first pre-season fixture, emphasising flexibility and gradual development as he begins his tenure as head coach.
Chelsea face Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday in a 7.45pm local kick-off (10.45am UK time), the first opportunity for supporters to see an Alonso-led side in action.
"We will be flexible in our tactics, in our approach, in our game plans," Alonso said. "We have our principles; what we want can be the same, but we have tried, and we will try, different ideas. It's about updating, developing something they have done with new concepts, which each manager has."
Alonso cautioned against expecting an immediate finished product, adding: "We need to go step by step. For that, we need to create good energies, good chemistry in the team. The team that will start in August won't be the same team that finishes in May, and I'm sure that team in May will be better than the first day."
The former midfielder drew attention at an open training session at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday for his hands-on involvement in drills and constant communication with players. "I like it, I feel it," he said. "I need to be close to the team, to participate with the energy, with the intensity I like. If I can run and touch the ball, then I like that."
Alonso also reflected on the club's decision to hold their pre-season tour in Australia. "You don't have the chance to come every weekend here to Sydney, so you need to pick the right time. So far it's been good, and now we have our first game on Tuesday and then another on Saturday."
Chelsea have two fixtures scheduled during the Sydney leg of their pre-season tour before continuing their preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League season.