Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso visits Cobham training ground
Incoming manager Xabi Alonso has visited Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week to begin preparations alongside his coaching staff ahead of officially taking charge on 1 July.
The Spaniard was appointed as the permanent successor to Liam Rosenior and is already familiarising himself with his new surroundings.
It is understood the former midfielder held discussions with current backroom members regarding the upcoming pre-season campaign.
Dialogue with the sporting directors concerning recruitment and potential summer transfers has also been ongoing for several weeks.
Assembling the backroom team
The highly sought-after tactician was accompanied on his initial reconnaissance by his core coaching entourage.
Alberto Encinas, Sebastian Parrilla, Benat Labaien and Ismael Camenforte Lopez all toured the Surrey base.
They will integrate with the existing staff structure independently employed by the West London club.
This setup includes head of goalkeeping Ben Roberts and specialist set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva.
Restoring former glories
Calum McFarlane, who previously served as caretaker head coach, will remain part of the setup working under the new regime.
The Blues have endured a highly frustrating domestic campaign and are relying on their new boss to revitalise an underperforming squad.
McFarlane insists the latest managerial arrival possesses the requisite pedigree to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
“[He is] very talented, massive pedigree. Yeah, really excited for the club,” stated McFarlane.
“We’re all looking forward to working with them.”
“It’s a massive club. I think we’ve got really exciting players coming to play here.”
“Even though it’s a disappointing season, they are showing at times this year the kind of quality that we have.”