Chelsea begins 2026-27 preseason training under new manager Xabi Alonso
New Manager Takes Charge at Cobham
Chelsea has commenced its 2026-27 preseason training, with new manager Xabi Alonso leading his first official sessions at the club’s Cobham base. The initial training on Thursday saw a group of players who were not participating in the World Cup, or those who had returned, begin preparations for the upcoming season. Alonso officially started his role as Blues boss at the beginning of the month, with the practical work now underway.
The training sessions mark a new chapter for Chelsea as they prepare for their preseason tour. Before the team travels to Sydney for the first leg of the tour later this month, Alonso will have the opportunity to work with the available players at the Cobham Training Ground. The manager’s first match in charge is scheduled for July 28, when Chelsea will face Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
Key Players Return and New Faces Emerge
Among the players who reported for the initial preseason training were several established squad members and some new additions. Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Estêvão Willian were noted to be working with the new manager from the first day. This early integration is expected to be beneficial for the season ahead, especially for players like Estêvão Willian, who missed his country’s participation at the World Cup due to a grade four hamstring injury but is now back at the club’s base.
Other notable players present at Cobham included Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill. These four players—Palmer, Pedro, Acheampong, and Colwill—are considered integral to the club’s long-term vision. Liam Delap, Robert Sanchez, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia also participated in Alonso’s inaugural session as manager.
New faces were also part of the training group. Striker Emmanuel Emegha, who recently joined from sister club Strasbourg, was pictured at his first training session. Additionally, Geovany Quenda was among the fresh faces. Young talent Dastan Satpaev, who will not turn 18 for another month, was also present, having received special dispensation from FC Kairat to train with the squad.
Preseason Schedule and Manager’s Media Engagements
The early training sessions are crucial for Alonso to establish his methods and connect with the squad before the team embarks on its international tour. The manager’s first match will be against Western Sydney Wanderers FC on July 28. Following this, Chelsea is set to travel to Australia and various Asian destinations as part of their preseason preparations.
Regarding media engagements, Xabi Alonso’s first news conference as Chelsea manager is not yet scheduled. However, it is anticipated that Chelsea will hold an ‘unveiling’ press conference in London, likely at Stamford Bridge, before the team departs for its preseason tour. It is expected that this press conference will take place after Alonso has conducted several training sessions and had time to settle into his new role. The manager is also expected to speak more to the media during the overseas tour.
The initial training sessions on July 9, 2026, marked the official start of the 2026-27 preseason for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
Read Also
Source: weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com
