Chelsea learn Geovany Quenda return plan as Xabi Alonso lays down marker – Read Chelsea F.C.
The Chelsea open training session at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium offered the clearest look yet at Xabi Alonso’s methods.
It also delivered contrasting injury updates on Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha before the Blues begin their pre-season fixtures.
Around 4,500 supporters attended Sunday evening’s ticketed session. Chelsea started with a centre-circle huddle before moving through their warm-up, rondos and several possession drills.
Alonso then introduced crossing and finishing exercises as his players prepared to face Western Sydney Wanderers. The session remained controlled and organised, with the Spaniard’s coaching staff taking responsibility for different groups.
What the Chelsea open training session revealed
According to BBC Sport’s report, republished by Yahoo Sports, Alonso showed no obvious preference towards his established players during the session.
Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Levi Colwill trained alongside academy prospects Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli. Both 16-year-olds received the same level of instruction and attention as their senior teammates.
That approach fits Alonso’s decision to assess his whole touring group before reaching firm conclusions. Chelsea have taken a youthful squad to Australia because several World Cup players remain on extended leave.
ReadChelsea covered the confirmed pre-season squad numbers after the club updated its original travelling party. Marco Palestra, Dastan Satpaev, Reggie Walsh and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen are among those with an early opportunity to impress.
The drills provided only limited tactical evidence. However, Alonso’s emphasis on possession, quick combinations and crossing work suggests he wants his players comfortable controlling the ball before attacking the penalty area.
Quenda return planned during Asia tour
Quenda did not travel to Sydney after suffering a minor injury during Chelsea’s opening training programme at Cobham.
The 19-year-old is expected to recover during the Asian stage of the tour next week. He could therefore rejoin Alonso’s group before the friendlies against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Emegha faces a longer recovery after sustaining a hamstring injury against Bromley. The striker should miss the remainder of the overseas tour but remains on course to return before the Premier League season begins.
His absence is frustrating after he scored in Chelsea’s private victories over Crawley Town and Bromley. João Pedro and Liam Delap should now receive additional minutes through the middle.
Alonso’s coaching structure takes shape
The size and organisation of Alonso’s staff also stood out in Sydney. Willie Isa and Calum McFarlane were recognised by supporters as they worked alongside the manager during the session.
That group could expand further. ReadChelsea recently examined what Austin MacPhee could bring to Alonso’s staff, particularly through his set-piece planning and opposition analysis.
The Chelsea open training session did not reveal Alonso’s preferred formation or starting team. It did show a possession-led programme, a coordinated coaching operation and an equal standard applied across the squad.
Chelsea begin their match schedule against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday before facing Tottenham on Saturday. Their confirmed overseas tour then continues through Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.
