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Soon-to-be Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso already has a “working group” of first-team players who can be “trusted”, according to reports in the Spanish media.
Madrid-based newspaper Mark claim that the Spaniard has started making decisions about the club’s structure ahead of next season.
Alonso has put together his coaching staff, which includes his trusted assistant manager, Sebas Parrila.
He will also be keeping Calum McFarlane, goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts, and set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva.
In addition to those decisions, Mark report that Alonso has also assessed the playing squad to look for leaders, and he has identified five names.
Tosin is included in the leadership group
It won’t come as a surprise that Alonso sees captain Reece James, vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, as well as Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella as key figures in the dressing room.
However, it is believed that he also regards Tosin Adarabioyo as an influential player who can have a positive impact on the culture and standards being set in the squad.
The 28-year-old is currently the oldest member of the first team, but there have been reports that he is among the candidates to be sold this summer. Whether Alonso has already made a decision to stop his departure, it is not known.
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Alonso has spoken about Chelsea
In a brief interview on Spanish TV programme The ChiringuitoAlonso expressed how much he is looking forward to starting work at Stamford Bridge:
“I was always open to it, and, well, it’s a beautiful project. Chelsea is a nice project, it’s a very good option.”
Alonso will officially start his role as Blues boss on July 1st, but it’s clear that plans are being put in motion ahead of his appointment.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
