The former Real Madrid boss was appointed to replace the departed Liam Rosenior back in May, but he has only now begun his new role at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard was pictured arriving at the clubâs training ground on Thursday morning as players not involved at the World Cup returned for pre-season.
The Blues will not be playing in European competition this coming term, having finished 10th under a combination of Enzo Maresca, Rosenior, and interim manager Calum McFarlane.
Alonso has alreday been instrumental in the clubâs transfer business this year, with the west Londoners already signing full-back Marco Pelastra, while Geovany Quenda, already signed before Alonsoâs arrival, was announced on Wednesday as he finally completed his move from Sporting CP.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen head coach was also keen on a reunion with Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, with Standard Sport previously reporting that Chelsea had seen a bid rejected for the Swiss international, previously of Arsenal, who had been keen to move back to London from Wearside.
Among those reporting back to Cobham for pre-season will be Cole Palmer, who was controversially left out of Thomas Tuchelâs England squad for this summerâs World Cup, as well as compatriot Levi Colwill, woh also missed out despite his impressive performances upon his return from a long-term ACL injury.
Alonso was known for his 3-4-2-1 system at Leverkusen, where he led the Bundesliga outfit to a maiden league title in 2023-24, and die Werkself went unbeaten domestically that year.
He left for Madrid, where he played between 2009-2014, taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025.
The Spaniard was pictured arriving at the clubâs training ground on Thursday morning as players not involved at the World Cup returned for pre-season.
The Blues will not be playing in European competition this coming term, having finished 10th under a combination of Enzo Maresca, Rosenior, and interim manager Calum McFarlane.
Alonso has alreday been instrumental in the clubâs transfer business this year, with the west Londoners already signing full-back Marco Pelastra, while Geovany Quenda, already signed before Alonsoâs arrival, was announced on Wednesday as he finally completed his move from Sporting CP.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen head coach was also keen on a reunion with Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, with Standard Sport previously reporting that Chelsea had seen a bid rejected for the Swiss international, previously of Arsenal, who had been keen to move back to London from Wearside.
Among those reporting back to Cobham for pre-season will be Cole Palmer, who was controversially left out of Thomas Tuchelâs England squad for this summerâs World Cup, as well as compatriot Levi Colwill, woh also missed out despite his impressive performances upon his return from a long-term ACL injury.
Alonso was known for his 3-4-2-1 system at Leverkusen, where he led the Bundesliga outfit to a maiden league title in 2023-24, and die Werkself went unbeaten domestically that year.
He left for Madrid, where he played between 2009-2014, taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025.
Related Coverage
- The 12 Chelsea stars who reported for pre-season training as Xabi Alonso handed injury boost â Football London
- Chelsea news: When will Xabi Alonso's first press conference be? â BBCXabi Alonso starting from zero in yet another new beginning for Chelsea
- BBCXabi Alonso starting from zero in yet another new beginning for Chelsea â We Ain't Got No History
- Xabi Alonso tells players his clear non-negotiable in first Chelsea interview â The Mirror
