Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso drives fitness overhaul and midfield rebuild

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made physical conditioning a priority, ordering pre‑season fitness tests that revealed attacking midfielder Cole Palmer’s modest bleep‑test result. Alonso, known for high‑energy systems at Bayer Leverkusen, aims to raise the squad’s aerobic standards to match his tactical approach.

Alonso also identified a need for a defensive midfielder to balance his side. After a failed bid for Granit Xhaka, he suggested targeting a younger player with similar qualities, highlighting Crystal Palace’s 22‑year‑old Adam Wharton as a potential template for Chelsea’s next signing.

These moves reflect Alonso’s broader strategy to reshape Chelsea’s playing style and address the shortcomings that led to a disappointing Premier League season.