Alonso's First Press Conference | 13/07/26 | Chelsea FC 26/27

Watch Xabi Alonso's first press conference as Chelsea manager.

 

Xabi Alonso on Chelsea’s training ground

 “Oh, it's brilliant! The setting, it's wonderful. The standards of the club are of the highest quality. The structure is great, but you need to give soul, you need to give purpose, you need to bring good work, good energy, positiveness, that we are in a nice place to work, and we have all the ingredients for that.

So, I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will be with the guys, and you start creating this connection, because this is all about the human connections, for them to feel good. And when you feel good, normally you perform well.”

Xabi Alonso on the importance of building the right culture at Chelsea

 “I think a strong culture is already in place. There’s an important core within the squad, and those established players have to help the younger ones understand what this club is about.”

“It starts with professionalism, work ethic and recognising that the team always comes first. Through our daily work, we can strengthen that culture, and whatever we build here at Cobham will be reflected at Stamford Bridge and everywhere we play. We’ll have the time to keep developing it.”

ALONSO's first week at Chelsea 🆕 | Chelsea Training | CFC 26/27

 Watch Chelsea's first week back training ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Estêvão is back training at Cobham… ✅

 Estevao back training at Cobham in the new gear is great to see, it seems injury is better.

Looking forward to seeing him in pre-season at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, really excited.

Can’t Tame Palestra.

 

Chelsea complete Marco Palestra signing from Atalanta

The 21-year-old has signed a contract through to 2033 and will join his new team-mates for pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso.

Palestra, who was named Serie A Defender of the Year last season, said: ‘A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.

‘I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.

‘We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.’

Following an impressive 2025/26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge with a strong reputation across European football.

He featured in 37 league games for Cagliari last season, with his performances as a full-back and wing-back, on both flanks, standing out in the Italian top flight.

Palestra earned his senior debut for Italy earlier this year, which was quickly followed by a second cap for the Azzurri.

Welcome to Chelsea, Marco!

OFFICIAL: Chelsea statement on Enzo Maresca.

“Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period”.

“Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026”.

“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season”.

“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate”. 

“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before”.

“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation”.

“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation”.

Trevoh Chalobah might leave Chelsea this summer after Como official bid

: Trevoh Chalobah can leave Chelsea this summer and Como send initial official bid for the centre back.

🇮🇹 Understand Inter have also looked at Chalobah among centre back options.

English CB focused on World Cup but UCL clubs keen.

Marco Palestra will sign a deal valid until June 2032

 Marco Palestra will sign a deal valid until June 2032 at Chelsea, initial six year contract.

Palestra said yes to #CFC project last night, ready to work under Xabi Alonso.

Marco Palestra is a Chelsea Player

 : Marco Palestra to Chelsea is a Done Deal Verbal agreement in place between all parties.

Atalanta to receive package over €55m fee plus sell-on clause, long term deal to Italian talented RWB.

Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso.

Marc Cucurella leaving Chelsea in the summer transfer window is still a possibility

 Marc Cucurella’s potential exit from Stamford Bridge is highly dependent on market dynamics. While multiple clubs are reportedly showing interest, Chelsea remain relaxed and in a strong negotiating position—they will only part ways with the Spanish defender if they receive an offer that matches their valuation.

Valuation & Bids: Chelsea have made it clear they are not desperate to offload the full-back and will only authorize a transfer if a major bid is put forward.

Contract Length: The club has significant leverage in any potential negotiations since he is locked into a long-term contract.

Potential Replacements: If a club meets Chelsea's valuation, they are reportedly monitoring potential replacements such as Ajax's Jorrel Hato and Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo.

Growing Interest: Top European clubs—including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid—are actively keeping tabs on the Spaniard's situation.

Recent Speculation: Manchester United has also been linked with shock moves to secure his signature for next season.

No Definite Decision: While Cucurella's camp continues to hold discussions, no official bids or final decisions have been finalized.

Moisés Caicedo: “I’m better prepared for this World Cup than I was for the last one.

“I’m better prepared for this World Cup than I was for the last one. It’s incredible to now be one of the leaders in the team, and playing in my second World Cup is going to be special.

Of course, I’ll help my teammates because for some of them it will be their first World Cup. I’m looking forward to supporting them and showing what I’m capable of.” 🇪🇨

Estevao reveals story about his injury and claims he is fine now :

 Estevao: 'Together with my parents, and I always say that it's very important to have the people you love by your side because it's very difficult to make these decisions alone, because you're surrounded by a lot of pressure and other things, I chose not to have surgery' 

'It's a procedure that will take time. God is in control, the doctor came and congratulated me on my decision, he told me he believes everything is fine and I will return quicker than expected

“I had an injury, I tore 80% of my hamstring biceps; the Chelsea doctors and owner told me to get surgery. Two weeks ago I had my second MRI and I said to the doctor I wasn’t in pain and could even play already”

“The doctor said yeah, it really shows, he showed me the exam image and said he couldn’t see any more injury, he doesn’t know what happened because in the timeframe we’re in, my hamstring shouldn’t be that well structured like it is!” 

Chelsea Set to Evaluate Nicolas Jackson After Bayern Munich Loan

 Chelsea is preparing to welcome striker Nicolas Jackson, 24, back to Stamford Bridge this summer following his loan spell at Bayern Munich. The club plans to let incoming manager Xabi Alonso assess the forward during pre-season training to decide if he fits into the squad for the upcoming campaign.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea is preparing to welcome 24-year-old forward Nicolas Jackson back to the club. Jackson, who spent the previous season on loan at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, is reportedly open to returning to Stamford Bridge but has expressed a desire to be given regular first-team opportunities.

What’s Next for Jackson?

Reports indicate that Bayern Munich is unlikely to make the transfer permanent, leaving the young striker's future in the hands of Chelsea's management. Instead of an immediate sale, the Blues intend to reintegrate Jackson into the squad, allowing new manager Xabi Alonso to evaluate his abilities during pre-season.

Club Planning Under Xabi Alonso

The upcoming pre-season will serve as a crucial audition for the Senegalese forward. Alonso, who officially takes charge of the squad, will have the final say on which strikers will lead the line for Chelsea next year.

Whether the club decides to retain the 24-year-old or explore other permanent transfer options, the coming weeks will provide much-needed clarity on how he fits into the new manager's tactical setup.

Chelsea Make Final Decision on João Pedro Amid Barcelona Interest

 Chelsea has issued a clear, firm response to Barcelona regarding João Pedro: the Brazilian striker is not for sale. The Blues view him as an untouchable cornerstone of their long-term project and are unwilling to negotiate at any price.

Barcelona’s search for a long-term forward has led them to Chelsea's standout star, João Pedro. However, the West London club has immediately shut down any rumors of a potential summer transfer.

According to reports from leading transfer experts like Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have communicated an unwavering stance to the Catalan giants: they have absolutely no intention of selling the Brazilian.

Here is why Chelsea has locked down their star forward:

Central to the Long-Term Project: Following an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge where he emerged as the club's top goalscorer, Chelsea views the 24-year-old as a non-negotiable part of their future.

No Price Tag: The Blues' hierarchy is so resolute in their decision that they are reportedly ready to reject even a world-record bid.

Untouchable Status: Regardless of the value or transfer fee offered, Chelsea will not even sit at the negotiating table to discuss João Pedro's departure.

Chelsea captain Reece James accepts the 2025/26 campaign has been disappointing for the Blues

Chelsea club captain Reece James has opened up about a difficult 2025/26 campaign, acknowledging that the team's performances were simply not up to the club's high standards.

The Blues wrapped up their domestic season with a 2-1 loss on the road against Sunderland. This result cemented a 10th-place finish in the Premier League, meaning Chelsea will not feature in European competitions next term.

Speaking on the team's struggles, the 26-year-old defender emphasized the need for self-reflection.

"We need to digest this season," James said. "It's been far below our standards and we need to review and see where we can improve for next time."

Chelsea are NOT prepared to sell Joao Pedro

 Chelsea have made it crystal clear that João Pedro is untouchable this summer, informing interested clubs that he is not for sale. Despite the Spanish giants' genuine interest, the Blues refuse to entertain any offers, shutting down negotiations completely.

Chelsea view the 24-year-old Brazilian forward as an absolutely vital component of their sporting project and long-term future.

After an outstanding campaign where he established himself as a standout performer at Stamford Bridge, the club considers him too valuable to lose.

Chelsea have internally communicated that no amount of money, not even a world-record bid, will persuade them to alter their stance.

César Azpilicueta confirms his retirement at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has made over 800 appearances for club and country.

Among his honours were two Premier Leagues and the #UCL with Chelsea.

🗣️ “I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.

 

“Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter.  After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.

 

“When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Frank Leboeuf on Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager:

🗣 "It is a great move, I'm very surprised, but what a signing. I know I texted Eghbali, saying what a move, man, I'm so happy, so proud of you, because that was the coach that we needed, and on top of it, it's not going to be only the coach, it's going to be the manager.

So hopefully he's going to get all the control of the recruitment and everything that goes around the field, and I'm sure he's going to be successful. I mean, he showed what he was capable of doing with Bayer Leverkusen; he wasn't able to have the control with Real Madrid, but I want to believe that he will have that with Chelsea.

Finally, the board of Chelsea understood the kind of person they needed to make that team better. So I'm absolutely pleased. I want to congratulate the board for that choice, because that was a perfect choice for me."

: Liam Delap has scored 0 goals in his last 25 games in all competitions

Chelsea completed a permanent transfer for the young striker, estimated at £30 million, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals in the Premier League.

 The forward's recent campaign has seen a shift in his statistical output, with a notably lower goal conversion rate across his appearances in various competitions.

Currently navigating a transitional phase in his career, the England youth international continues to adapt to the tactical demands and attacking setups at Stamford Bridge.