Watching Xabi Alonso coach his Chelsea team conjures flashbacks of his playing days at Liverpool and Real Madrid. The 44‑year‑old, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, is fully involved in training sessions, teeing up players with short passes before launching his trademark cross‑field balls at Sky Park, the home of Sydney FC.

Alonso’s journey began under his father, former Spain international Periko Alonso, and he earned 15 major titles, including a historic domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024. His brief stint at Real Madrid ended by mutual consent after reports of disputes with players such as Vinicius Jr., but he left the club with his scars healed and ready for the next challenge.

At Chelsea he prioritises team‑building, allowing players time for cinema outings and a winter swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool. Recent անցitions include a £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and the addition of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

Alonso sees the club’s senior revolution as an opportunity to blend early‑20s talent with experienced leaders like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, aiming to instil collective purpose and culture reminiscent of the Basque Country.