Chelsea’s squad are “so glad” with Xabi Alonso as the brand new head coach makes an attempt to revive the membership’s fortunes, new defender Marco Palestra says.
Proper-back Palestra, who turned considered one of eight signings made by Alonso this summer season when the 21-year-old arrived for £47 million from Atalanta in July, believes the Spaniard’s most popular sluggish and affected person passing type and vigorous pursuit of turnovers can rework the Tenth-placed aspect in final season’s Premier League.
“I’m positive that if we observe the thought of Xabi and we enhance every single day, we are able to have an enormous season,” stated Italy worldwide Palestra.
“Chelsea is without doubt one of the greatest groups on the earth, so [success] is regular for Chelsea.”
Chelsea squad ‘observe Alonso concepts’
Alonso established himself as among the finest younger managers on the earth by successful a home treble with Leverkusen in 2023/24, however his swap to Actual Madrid final season proved transient and unsuccessful.
Amongst Alonso’s signings, the previous Bayern, Actual Madrid and Liverpool midfielder has spent £117m to usher in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and £52m to recruit Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
“Not solely me, however all my teammates are so glad to be managed by Xabi Alonso,” stated Palestra. “So we’re glad and all fascinated with turning into higher every single day.
“The system is nice however I don’t care concerning the system. Xabi is aware of higher than me and we observe his concepts.”
Marco Palestra: Chelsea ‘among the finest golf equipment’
Atalanta youth product Palestra barely featured for La Dea’s first workforce however impressed on mortgage at Cagliari final season.
“I’m actually assured,” he stated. “For positive it’s an enormous transfer, however I performed [regulary] in Serie A, and Serie A is troublesome to play in.
“I must say thanks to the employees, Xabi and my teammates as a result of, because the first day, they’ve helped me with every thing inside and outdoors of soccer.
“I selected Chelsea as a result of it’s among the finest golf equipment in soccer. [Alonso] gave me quite a bit confidence.”
Chelsea: Xabi Alonso on Marco Palestra
Alonso praised Palestra’s “nice influence” after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday
“You see his energy,” stated the 44-year-old. “He repeats [his runs] up and down, [showing] massive stamina and high quality within the final third.
“We’re impressed with him and glad that we have now Marco within the squad and that he provides options. He’s a versatile participant, so it’s going to be very fascinating to work with him.”
When does Chelsea’s 2026/27 season begin?
Chelsea’s first aggressive match below Alonso can be at Fulham within the Premier League. Listed below are the important thing particulars and the place to look at within the UK.
| Date | Fixture | BST begin time | ET | PT | TV channel | Stream |
| Mon, Aug 24 | Fulham (A) | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | Sky Sports activities | Sky Go |
