Match ReportDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 28 Jul 2026
Xabi Alonso takes charge of first Chelsea game
A new era begins as the Spaniard leads the Blues against Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney.
Chelsea
team
Competition
Pre-season friendly
Venue
Sydney
What happened. Xabi Alonso took charge of Chelsea for the first time in a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, naming a youthful starting XI.
- Alonso's first side features academy players and few senior figures.
- Big names like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are on the bench.
- Alonso praised the young players' quality and potential.
“They have top quality and are great projects to develop.”
— Xabi Alonso
Alonso aims to build chemistry and clear ideas before the Premier League season.
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Western Sydney Wanderers
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