Xabi Alonso's early days as Chelsea manager have been characterized by a strong emphasis on improving squad physicality, likened more to a Mauricio Pochettino approach than an Enzo Maresca one. Alonso aims to move past last season's shortcomings, focusing on "soul, purpose and good energy." He acknowledges Chelsea needs significant improvements, both on the training pitch and in the transfer market, to compete for European spots again after finishing 10th.

Alonso has been actively involved in transfer business remotely and has quickly built rapport with the sporting director team. He has communicated with key players like Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, expressing his desire for Fernandez to stay. He also conducted a pre-contract fact-finding mission at Cobham, meeting personnel to integrate them into his structure.

Training sessions have been intense, incorporating physical testing, gym work, and drills. Several young players, including Reggie Walsh, Landon Emenalo, Ryan Kavuma-Mc Queen, and Calvin Diakite, have been given opportunities to impress. New signings Dastan Satpaev, Emmanuel Emegha, and Geovany Quenda are also involved, alongside recalled loanees Nicolas Jackson and Aaron Anselmino. Cole Palmer showed strong performance in a bleep test, with Alonso noting his desire to overcome past injuries. The team faces a demanding pre-season tour with matches against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham, Juventus, AC Milan, and Johor Darul Ta'zim.