Chelsea: Xabi Alonso heals Real Madrid scars to lead Blues’ senior revolution

Alonso held discreet meetings in London and his hometown of San Sebastian over three weeks in early May to ensure Chelsea was the right fit.

Despite questions as to why he chose the Blues over his former club Liverpool, there was no offer on the table from the latter – and last month Alonso said “timing” took him to Chelsea rather than Anfield.

“I had a view of Chelsea from the outside,” he explained, revealing how carefully he considered the move to Stamford Bridge and the early discussions with sporting directors about his vision for the club.

“I could see the positives and my concerns, so I addressed them. We had the same ideas, the same analysis, to start building momentum together. That is why we are taking these steps together and making decisions to build a good team.”

That vision extends to the signing of £117m forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. He was Chelsea‘s first-choice attacking target and was secured despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.

Alonso has also added full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta, who could prove key to implementing the system he used at Bayer Leverkusen, while talks remain open over left-sided option Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano.

“We have taken a few steps but I feel that we can still take a few more,” Alonso said when asked about the backing he has received.

Alonso has been careful not to overplay his hand when speaking to the media, but he always gives the impression he is heavily involved.

His role as the first manager, rather than head coach, under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital has perhaps been overstated. The club’s five sporting directors remain responsible for much of the operation, albeit in constant dialogue with Alonso and his staff.

As ever at this time of year, Chelsea are open for business.

There is genuine excitement around the arrival of striker Danny Welbeck, 35, who will now join the squad for pre-season.

His role will be to provide experienced cover for Joao Pedro while also bringing a positive influence behind the scenes.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, is also set to arrive after Chelsea were unable to secure Alonso’s former Bayer Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka from Sunderland.

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As he did under England manager Thomas Tuchel at this summer’s World Cup, Henderson is expected to help drive standards as a vocal leader, something Chelsea have lacked.

It would be similar to the role Alonso played under Pep Guardiola towards the end of his career at Bayern Munich.

It is a senior revolution at the Premier League’s youngest team.

Chelsea have previously suffered from indiscipline, a perceived softness defending set-pieces and, perhaps most importantly, a lack of leadership and dressing-room culture.

“You need the right balance of personalities and stages of maturity, with players in their early 20s, early 30s and everything in between,” Alonso said of reshaping of his squad.

Culture is another area Alonso knows he needs to address. “In the Basque Country, we have a strong sense of collective purpose and culture,” he said.

Alonso believes that culture must extend beyond the playing squad. He recently provided the assists for the winning side in a staff game before Chelsea‘s overseas trip.