Five things spotted in Chelsea training as Xabi Alonso gives Cole Palmer special role
When Xabi Alonso put pen to paper on a long-term contract with Chelsea earlier this summer, he outlined his ambition to ‘build the right culture and win trophies’.
Xabi Alonso and Joao Pedro in Chelsea training at Cobham(Image: Chelsea FC)
Xabi Alonso has been putting the Chelsea players through their paces at Cobham training ground. At the end of July, the Blues will embark on a pre-season tour of Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia, where the new manager will finally make his debut in the dugout.
Chelsea will first lock horns with Western Sydney Wanderers at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on Tuesday, July 28, before facing Tottenham Hotspur at the same venue on Saturday, August 1. The Blues will then play Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium on Wednesday, August 5.
On Saturday, August 8, Alonso’s side will take on AC Milan at the GBK Stadium in Jakarta. The following day, Chelsea will then face Johor Darul Ta’zim at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri before returning to the United Kingdom.
Once the Blues are back on the grass at Cobham, they’ll have the chance to iron out any creases before the final friendly of the summer on Saturday, August 15, when they face Real Sociedad. The clash against the Spanish outfit will be Alonso’s first at Stamford Bridge.
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Eager to hit the ground running, the Chelsea manager has been working hard to implement his philosophy at the club’s training base in Surrey. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the five things you may have missed in training at Cobham this week.
Alonso works closely with Pedro
Alonso has capitalised on the opportunity to work closely with Joao Pedro before the bulk of the Chelsea squad reports for duty at Cobham. The Blues striker was one of a few big names who were denied the chance to represent their country at the World Cup this summer.
Although Pedro was disappointed to be left out of the Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti, he was given the chance to recharge his batteries after a long season. Now, fully rested, the 24-year-old has been able to work closely with his new manager before the rest of his teammates return to training.
During one particular drill, Alonso was spotted giving instructions to the players while standing next to Pedro, who looked deep in thought. If Chelsea are to qualify for the Champions League next season, the Spaniard will need the Brazilian firing on all cylinders.
Palestra catches the eye
Marco Palestra has already caught the eye at Cobham, showcasing his physical prowess, one-versus-one defending, and quality in front of goal. The Blues defender could be a dark horse in the final third this season, with Alonso expected to give his wing-backs the license to bomb forward.
Estevao overcomes hamstring problem
Estevao Willian has been at the heart of the action in training. The Chelsea winger suffered a grade-four hamstring injury during a defeat to Manchester United back in April, and subsequently missed out on the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup.
Despite fears that Estevao could require surgery and miss the start of the upcoming season, he appears to have overcome the muscle problem. Under Alonso, the teenager will hope to pick up from where he left off last term.
Delap soldiers through minor injury
Liam Delap appears to be nursing a minor knee problem. The Chelsea striker was spotted with a bandage and strapping on his right leg, but it didn’t stop him from getting stuck in.
Palmer given special role
Alonso appears keen to build the Chelsea starting lineup around Cole Palmer. During one particular drill, the Blues midfielder was the only player spotted wearing a white bib, while everyone else wore yellow, orange, or went without.
Palmer may have been the designated ‘magic man’ – a role that grants a player the freedom to play on the team in possession during an exercise or small-sided game. By introducing such a rule, it creates overloads, encouraging snappy passing, quick decision-making and clever movement into pockets of space.
Equally, it puts the team out of possession at a disadvantage, stressing the importance of ball retention and the need for an effective counter-press. If Alonso deploys his famous back three formation, which requires two narrow attacking midfielders to support the striker, Palmer will be expected to pull the strings from congested central areas in the final third.
The England international may also be tasked with dictating play, helping Chelsea retain control during tricky periods.
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