Bonding & building - what we learned about Alonso's Chelsea in pre-season
A deep dive into Chelsea's grueling pre-season tour under Xabi Alonso, covering massive travel distances, tactical implementation, and squad culture.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Chelsea travelled 56 hours and 24,561 miles, the most in the Premier League.
- Xabi Alonso beat jetlag by running at a 4 minute 30 second per kilometre pace.
- The tour included stops in Sydney, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Iskandar Puteri.
- 17-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli emerged as a breakout midfield performer.
Chelsea's pre-season campaign under new manager Xabi Alonso was defined by an exhaustive travel schedule, totalling 56 hours spent journeying 24,561 miles by plane—a logistical plan set long before his appointment in May. The Blues covered nearly twice the distance of their previous US tour under Enzo Maresca, making them the Premier League club with the farthest travel distance. The journey featured stops in Sydney, Hong Kong, and Jakarta, concluding in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia.
Despite the grueling itinerary, Alonso set an immediate standard by running off his jetlag at a swift pace of four minutes and 30 seconds per kilometre alongside club staff. The 44-year-old former Spain World Cup winner also participated in a staff match prior to departure, captaining his side to victory and setting up most of the goals.
To mitigate travel fatigue, the club utilized a private Airbus A340, transitioned players instantly to Sydney time, and scheduled sleep periods after meals, which included a stopover at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka. Having laid a heavy fitness foundation at the Cobham training base, Alonso immediately turned his focus to tactical drills upon arrival in Australia.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Training at Sky Park, home of Sydney FC, Alonso demonstrated a hands-on coaching style. He actively showcased his passing range and tested young winger Estevao Willian by challenging him to deliver crosses with his weaker right foot. To the delight of onlookers, Alonso also hammered a 25-yard half-volley into the back of the net, reminiscent of his playing days with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
Alonso's hands-on involvement on the training pitch helps bridge the gap between coaching staff and players, establishing a culture of accountability and high work ethic. By leading through physical example, he sets a no-excuses tone crucial for rebuilding a competitive identity at Stamford Bridge.
The tour also served as a showcase for youth, notably Sydney-born 16 and 17-year-old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, who delivered impressive performances that caught the attention of Australian media given his eligibility for the national team. Off the pitch, younger players enjoyed downtime visiting cinemas, taking boat tours, and relaxing at their Darling Harbour hotel.
Following matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham in front of 80,000 fans, the squad boarded another 10-hour private flight to Hong Kong. Staying at the Kerry Hotel, the players faced massive fan turnouts, requiring heightened security as local supporters sought autographs and selfies.
Source: BBC Sport
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