New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has begun his reign at Stamford Bridge by placing fitness at the centre of his plans, with Cole Palmer impressing during the club’s pre-season testing at Cobham.
According to the BBC, Alonso has introduced an intense fitness programme after Chelsea’s disappointing 2025/26 campaign, during which the Blues were statistically outrun by most of their Premier League rivals.
The Spaniard has assembled a specialist coaching team to drive the new approach, including fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez, who has been tasked with maintaining a high tempo throughout training sessions.
While Alonso has stressed the importance of creating “soul, purpose, and good energy” within the squad, improving the players’ physical condition has become an immediate priority ahead of the club’s global pre-season tour.
Palmer emerged as one of the standout performers during the squad’s bleep test, finishing second despite battling recurring groin problems for much of last season.
Young midfielder Reggie Walsh recorded the best result in the fitness assessment, while Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian completed the top three.
Alonso praised Palmer’s attitude and determination to overcome last season’s injury setbacks.
He said: “He wants to be fit.
“He wants to put behind him the injury setbacks he had to cope with last year.”
The Chelsea manager added: “He’s special and, if he’s enjoying himself and in a good mood and spirit, he can be a key player for us. So far, so good.”
Alonso has also arrived at Chelsea with the title of manager rather than head coach, giving him greater influence over football operations and recruitment.
The former Spain international is expected to work closely with the club’s sporting directors as Chelsea continue reshaping the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Although he believes the current group provides a strong base for the future, Alonso has maintained that further additions will be needed as Chelsea look to return to the UEFA Champions League.
