Chelseas squad are so happy with Xabi Alonso as the new head coach attempts to revive the clubs fortunes, new defender Marco Palestra says. Right-back Palestra, who became one of eight signings made by Alonso this summer when the 21-year-old arrived for �47 million from Atalanta in July, believes the Spaniards preferred slow and patient passing style and vigorous pursuit of turnovers can transform the 10th-placed side in last seasons Premier League.Im sure that if we follow the idea of Xabi and we improve every day, we can have a big season, said Italy international Palestra.Chelsea is one of the best teams in the world, so [success] is normal for Chelsea.Table of ContentsChelsea squad follow Alonso ideasMarco Palestra: Chelsea one of the best clubsChelsea: Xabi Alonso on Marco PalestraWhen does Chelseas 2026/27 season start?Chelsea squad follow Alonso ideasAlonso established himself as one of the best young managers in the world by winning a domestic treble with Leverkusen in 2023/24, but his switch to Real Madrid last season proved brief and unsuccessful.Among Alonsos signings, the former Bayern, Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder has spent �117m to bring in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and �52m to recruit Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.Not only me, but all my teammates are so happy to be managed by Xabi Alonso, said Palestra. So we are happy and all thinking about becoming better every day.The system is good but I dont care about the system. Xabi knows better than me and we follow his ideas.Marco Palestra: Chelsea one of the best clubsAtalanta youth product Palestra barely featured for La Deas first team but impressed on loan at Cagliari last season.Im really confident, he said. For sure its a big move, but I played [regulary] in Serie A, and Serie A is difficult to play in.I need to say thank you to the staff, Xabi and my teammates because, since the first day, theyve helped me with everything inside and outside of football.I chose Chelsea because its one of the best clubs in football. [Alonso] gave me a lot confidence.Chelsea: Xabi Alonso on Marco PalestraAlonso praised Palestras great impact after Chelseas 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on WednesdayYou see his power, said the 44-year-old. He repeats [his runs] up and down, [showing] big stamina and quality in the last third.We are impressed with him and happy that we have Marco in the squad and that he gives solutions. Hes a flexible player, so its going to be very interesting to work with him.When does Chelseas 2026/27 season start?Chelseas first competitive match under Alonso will be at Fulham in the Premier League. Here are the key details and where to watch in the UK.DateFixtureBST start timeETPTTV channelStreamMon, Aug 24Fulham (A)20:0015:0012:00Sky SportsSky Go Topics Chelsea F.C. Italy National Football Team Morgan Rogers Premier League Xabi Alonso Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Bayern Munich 2-1 Aston Villa: Pre season friendly report Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 Bayern v Aston Villa: Teams and line-ups for pre-season friendly Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 Bayern v Aston Villa: Line-ups, stats and preview Ben Miller 7th August, 2026 Chelsea v AC Milan: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch with Alonso in need of morale-boosting win Jon Fisher 7th August, 2026 BREAKING: Vinicius Junior signs Real Madrid contract until 2032 Ben Miller 6th August, 2026 Arsenal 1-3 Betis: Report and goals as pundit claims Arteta will be concerned Ben Miller 5th August, 2026
