Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Xabi Alonso, who was a vocal presence on the touchline during Chelsea's 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, used the 4-2-3-1 system favoured by former Blues boss Enzo Maresca.

With players still on holiday after the World Cup - including club record £117m signing Morgan Rogers - several youngsters were given an opportunity.

Midfield trio Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson all impressed, with the latter the only player to play the full game.

Nicoll-Jazuli and Watson, both 16, anchored the midfield together for long periods, while 17-year-old Walsh operated well in a more advanced role.

In his pre-match news conference, Alonso expressed surprise at how well the seven academy players drafted in to fill gaps in the squad had performed in training.

Landon Emenalo, 18, has also been given a significant opportunity, with no other left-backs available.

The only senior player other then Joao Pedro to particularly impress was winger Jamie Gittens, who made it three goals in three appearances in pre-season, following his two in behind-closed-doors friendlies against EFL opposition.

Read more on Chelsea's opening pre-season game here

Simon Casson
BBC Sport senior journalist

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Chelsea are targeting deals for Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson and the ages of the experienced trio, especially the latter two, seem to signal a major change in transfer tactics from the Blues.

At 26 years old, it could be said that Crystal Palace defender Lacroix is in his prime, but the £52m target is still notably older than other recent Blues signings.

It has been two years since Chelsea signed a player older than Lacroix, and Tosin Adarabioyo was only marginally older when he arrived three months before turning 27.

Welbeck's potential arrival could mean a 35-year-old replacing 23-year-old Liam Delap in the first-team picture, despite the former Ipswich Town man being considered one of the Premier League's most exciting young strikers when Chelsea signed him last year.

So does this signal a deliberate change in recruitment strategy, such as prioritising experience over youth? And what might Chelsea have learned from recent seasons?

Well, if his previous managerial approach is anything to go by, Xabi Alonso favours a blend of youth and experience.

The Spaniard signed four players over the age of 27 for the 2023-24 season at Bayer Leverkusen- including Granit Xhaka and Alejandro Grimaldo, who became key players in the Bundesliga title-winning side.

Another four players over the age of 27 came in the following season - and it could be a similar story now at Chelsea.

Read the full article here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he wants his squad to "improve quickly" after a chaotic 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in his first match.

The Spaniard, 44, made his comments in the context of being asked about the talks to sign experienced duo Danny Welbeck, 35, from Brighton and Jordan Henderson, 36, from Brentford.

On his Chelsea bow, Alonso oversaw a side that showed the quality to score six times but also offered a side of their display that boasted ample errors.

When asked whether experience would improve Chelsea in light of the performance, Alonso replied: "Everyone has to learn, everyone.

"It doesn't matter if you are young or more experienced. This is what happens in the game and this is a quality you need as well.

"You can be quick, you can be good at dribbling, but you also need the game intelligence to do the right things. In every aspect we need to improve quickly because the competition starts in almost a month and we want to be ready for that.

"We need to manage that. It is so important in football nowadays."

Alonso's comment was also linked to the impressive pace in which Chelsea have acted in the transfer market but with a need to potentially do even more.

They secured deals for £117m forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, along with the acquisition of Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, who made his first appearance at the Accor Stadium.

Alonso's assessment followed a performance that featured "positives" but also highlighted poor "game management" and an inability to find "solutions" to the Wanderers' tactics.

There was also praise for substitute Joao Pedro, who scored a 10-minute hat-trick and was described as "very hungry", while Alonso revealed Romeo Lavia did not feature because there was "no point in taking risks" after he "felt something in his hamstring".

Image source, PA Media

Xabi Alonso's first game in the Chelsea dugout ended in a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in the pre-season Sydney Super Cup competition.

Joao Pedro proved his quality when coming on from the bench - the Brazilian forward scored a hat-trick and assisted Jamie Gittens' goal in the space of 26 minutes.

Chelsea trialist Dastan Satpaev and midfielder Dario Essugo also scored, but defensive frailties throughout the match cost the Blues four goals.

Alonso named a youthful starting XI and used all his substitutes, except for Ted Curd, Calvin Diakite and Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea will face Tottenham next at the Accor Stadium, Sydney on 1 August (10:45 BST kick-off).

Select player ratings by Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella:

Joao Pedro: The Brazilian striker scored a hat-trick and simply outclassed and overpowered lesser opposition during a sensational, match-winning 30-minute cameo. Maybe he was angry having been left out of Brazil's World Cup squad. 9

Jamie Gittens: Equalised for Chelsea after initially hitting the target with a good shot as part of a great early impact. It's three goals in three games for Gittens, including two in two behind-closed-doors before today, during this pre-season. He is looking sharp. 8

Dastan Satpaev: The Kazakhstan forward became the first goalscorer of the Alonso era despite not yet officially being a Chelsea player. The 17-year-old will join permanently when he turns 18 in August and made an impact before completing his move from FC Kairat. He burst away from German Ferreyra before firing in a near-post finish to open the scoring in the sixth minute. Although he blazed over in the 31st minute, he was again involved in Chelsea's second goal. 7

Reggie Watson: Watson looked tidy in possession but also gave the ball away on a couple of occasions. It was impressive that the 16-year-old, the youngest player in the squad, was selected in the first place and he hit a powerful second half free-kick just over. He was the only player to complete the full match. 7

Read Chelsea's full player ratings here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Filip Jorgensen is talking to Strasbourg about a potential move but also has interest from Coventry City.

A move for the goalkeeper to Strasbourg would be a loan deal to the Chelsea-adjacent club under the same BlueCo ownership.

The Dane, who is not in the squad for Tuesday's friendly, is discussing his potential salary package after his return to London from Sydney.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Seven academy players have been taken on Chelsea's pre-season tour - and they will all be looking to impress new boss Xabi Alonso.

The Blues are travelling to Australia with a 26-man squad, and are facing Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham.

Almost all of the academy players have been training with the first team throughout Alonso's first two weeks in charge, featuring in behind-closed-doors friendly wins against Crawley Town and Bromley.

However, they could return to London during the Asian leg of the tour if the players involved at the World Cup rejoin the squad.

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is one of the young players hoping to make an impact and break into a star-studded - perhaps oversized - Chelsea squad.

Named on the bench for Tuesday's game against Western Sydney Wanderers, he is the second-youngest player on the tour at just 16 years old, although his physical presence belies his age.

Nicoll-Jazuli became the youngest starter and goalscorer in the Uefa Youth League last season and has consistently played above his age group thanks to his outstanding athleticism.

He is developing into a high-energy, technically gifted midfielder in the mould of Cobham graduate Mason Mount.

His involvement on the tour represents something of a homecoming. His mother is Australian and he is eligible to represent Australia, France and England at international level. He currently plays for England at youth level.

Alonso said: "I'm really impressed with him. Mahdi is one of the talents we need to develop, as he has special qualities that you don't often see in a 16 year old.

"He is a dynamic player. He can pass short and dribble in the middle. He has made a good impression so far."

Chelsea are delighted to have secured Nicoll-Jazuli's long-term future, after facing competition from leading French sides, with a new contract set to be signed when he turns 17 in January.

Read more about the academy stars looking to break through at Chelsea

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We asked for your views on the wisdom of Chelsea moving for 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson.

Here are some of your comments:

Will: Welbeck and Henderson would provide the much-needed experience we lack in the squad. John Stones would be a better signing than Henderson - however, Welbeck can also provide a goalscoring threat.

Steve: Welbeck is a good pro and would be a good addition to the squad. Henderson - no.

Scott: As far as dressing-room experience and camaraderie goes, these are good moves. However, I doubt Henderson and Welbeck will take us to the next level on the field. This would also only highlight how much of a shambles our transfer policy has been.

Cris: It's a good thing to get players with experience but not players who are past it. Chelsea still need a good number nine with experience.

Julian: It would be good to sign Welbeck and Henderson. They have got a lot of Premier League experience and would help to see out games, which was something we could not do last season. And their experience around the club would help the young players.

Jack: I like the Wellbeck move in theory, particularly if it means we can say goodbye to Liam Delap. Henderson feels like a great voice and leader to have onside, but I worry about his ability to deliver any kind of cup winning performance. We need players not motivational speakers.

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English football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

Read more on the trial

It says everything about Danny Welbeck that senior figures at Brighton were convinced England should have taken the veteran striker to the World Cup as a back-up.

Forget about his age. Welbeck featured in 37 out of Brighton's 38 Premier League games last season. His 13 goals put him joint-ninth in the list of top scorers, with only three Englishmen bettering that tally.

Those statistics show him to still be a top forward.

Then there is his overall game - his ability to hold the ball up, bring team-mates into play or buy his defence some valuable time.

Finally, there is Welbeck's presence behind the scenes. He is someone who drives standards, makes demands of team-mates; someone for younger players - of which Chelsea have plenty - to learn from.

Manchester United tried to bring him back to Old Trafford in the past but it did not quite work out. Welbeck is the kind of forward they need now.

But it is Chelsea who have acted first. One of the most surprising deals of the summer could turn out to be one of the most astute.

• Read more on Chelsea's move for Welbeck

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Many fans called for Chelsea to introduce experience into the club's ranks and it seems the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge have been listening.

In the summer where the Blues moved for Granit Xhaka, they are now in talks to sign both Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Jordan Henderson from Brentford.

So, is pursuing the pair - Welbeck is 35 and Henderson 36 - a wise move or are the Blues going from one extreme to another? Is there a better balance to be struck? Or do you think these older heads will offer plenty?

Get in touch with your views here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Danny Welbeck joining Chelsea from Brighton would be another sign of a shift in strategy at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Their move for the 35-year-old striker follows the attempt to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, with the Black Cats refusing to sell the Switzerland captain.

Although the arrival of Morgan Rogers, 23, fits the club's preferred policy of signing younger players, the former Aston Villa man brings significant Premier League experience.

The Blues are also expected to complete a £52m move for Crystal Palace defender Lacroix, 26, to add further Premier League-ready experience.

However, Welbeck's arrival would leave Chelsea with an abundance of attacking options despite not being involved in European competition.

At his age, Welbeck may be content to provide cover for Joao Pedro, but the move would represent bad news for several other forwards.

Nicolas Jackson is open to leaving, while Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha had hoped to establish themselves under Xabi Alonso.

Nevertheless, the new Chelsea manager is getting what he wants: experience and strong personalities to address shortcomings that contributed to the team's 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Image source, Getty Images

We wanted to know your expectations for Xabi Alonso's first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Here are some of your comments:

Kieran: I went into the transfer window thinking we should be aiming for fifth place and to get ourselves stable under new management. But, with these signings, there is no reason Chelsea shouldn't be aiming higher up that table for 2026-27.

Martin: Quietly optimistic this season will be an improvement on last season. A top-five finish would be an achievement, but it shouldn't be expected. The most important thing is Alonso is left alone to do his job with NO interference from above. That, unfortunately, is my fear.

Steven: I like the idea of the new signings and it feels like we might have a better balance to the team once they have settled in. We desperately need to offload quite a few players, though. There are some that we either just don't need or who haven't really worked out - 40 players is just far too many.

David: First time in years that I'm actually looking forward to a new Chelsea season. Aims as follows: Champions League qualification is essential; a cup would also be nice; let's play attractive football instead of the backwards and crab-like football we've had to endure.

James: It will be too early to compete for the title this season, but a top-four finish and winning either or both of the League Cup and FA Cup is a realistic possibility, especially without any European football. That said, with fewer games, a significant amount of players will need to be moved on to comply with financial regulations and to keep a happy squad.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are also expected to announce the £52m signing of France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. At 26, he would be the Blues' oldest signing since 2022.

New boss Xabi Alonso said: "We want a squad with the right balance between quality and mentality.

"Those things need to match in terms of maturity, but I think we are starting the new season with good energy. That's important."

Chelsea have also brought in £1117m Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa - and Alonso has said he "has a plan" to play the attacking midfielder with Cole Palmer - winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting, striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

They are expected to sign midfielder Valentin Barco, also from Strasbourg, in the coming weeks.

That will leave Chelsea with nearly 40 players in their squad and needing to sell a substantial number of them.

"We need to know that there will probably still be some movement," Alonso added.

"We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built.

"It will probably change before the transfer window closes."

So, with all the expected incomings and outgoings at Chelsea, Alonso's belief Rogers can make an "instant impact" and Levi Colwill's comments on this page below about the Blues being "ready" to challenge Arsenal, we want your thoughts.

As things stand, what are your expectations for Chelsea in Alonso's first season?

Get in touch with your views here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Levi Colwill admits he felt "helpless" while injured during Chelsea's difficult campaign but believes the arrival of Xabi Alonso means the coming season will be "different".

The England defender, 23, had just won the Club World Cup and Conference League before he suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season last year.

It meant he featured only four times at the end of a disappointing Blues campaign, as they finish 10th in the Premier League and without a trophy amid managerial turmoil.

"When you can't do anything to affect the game on the pitch, you feel helpless and that's how I felt at times," Colwill said after a pre-season training session in Sydney.

"I had come off winning the Club World Cup feeling on top of the world and then an injury like that happens. It kills everything - kills the momentum - and you're out for a long time.

"But you've got to stay positive. You've got to believe in yourself and trust the process, which I've done."

Colwill says he is fully fit again but that it "hurt a lot" to miss Chelsea's Champions League campaign and, as one of the leaders in the squad, he will "do everything" to help the team return to Europe's elite.

Having taken part in an open training session in front of supporters, he is preparing to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday in what will provide the first real glimpse of Alonso's Chelsea.

"The football he wants us to play is really creative, attacking, free-flowing football and I think you'll see it tomorrow too," Colwill continued.

Asked whether Chelsea can compete with Premier League champions Arsenal, he said: "I feel like the players we've got in our team are ready to do that.

"With having a manager of this quality now, when it all comes together we're definitely going to be able to challenge and push for the Premier League."

Chelsea will demand a significant fee for winger Pedro Neto, amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Saudi Arabian teams. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens says he will be involved in Xabi Alonso's squad next season and describes his new manager as "one of the best to do it".

The 21-year-old joined the Blues from Borussia Dortmund in a £52m deal last summer but struggled to make a major impact in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Asked whether he had been told he was part of Alonso's plans, Gittens initially replied: "Yeah."

He continued: "He just wants me to keep being positive, to keep taking on players, to keep creating chances and to keep pushing myself to the maximum."

Gittens added that the squad respect Alonso because he was a "world-class midfielder" during his playing career with Real Madrid and Liverpool, among others.

He also said that when he faced Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side while playing in Germany, it was "really hard". Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title and German Cup in Alonso's first full season in charge.

Gittens added: "They were really a team."

Team cohesion was something Chelsea lacked last season as they finished 10th in the Premier League, failed to qualify for European football and ended the campaign without a trophy.

However, he is confident that signings like £117m British transfer record Morgan Rogers, who he played with in Manchester City's academy, "will raise the bar" and that Chelsea retain an ambition to "win everything".

Gittens is also back on track having scored in Alonso's first two matches behind closed doors against EFL clubs Crawley and Bromley, having suffered a hamstring injury in January and missing the back end of last season.

He insists he is "90% fit" after a holiday training camp in Portugal and Spain.

However, he admitted: "It has been hard because this was the first muscle injury I've had. I'm feeling much better, the hamstrings are good.

"I want to succeed here. I need to show people what I can do. I've shown small glimpses, I would say, but this season will be a good season."