Xabi Alonso’s journey from the Basque Country to the Premier League has been marked by both playing brilliance and a rapid ascent in coaching.
After five seasons with Real Sociedad, where he honed his midfield intelligence, Alonso moved to Liverpool in 2004, later returning to San Sebastián to guide the club’s reserves before stepping into senior management.
A new era at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s preseason under Alonso has already delivered two convincing victories, a 3‑0 win over AC Milan in Jakarta and a late triumph against Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia, signalling a positive start to his managerial tenure.
The club’s friendly against Real Sociedad on August 15, kicking off at 9 a.m. ET, will be streamed via CFC+; a yearly subscription costs £14.99 and grants access to all summer fixtures.
Alonso’s first Premier League test arrives on August 24 when Chelsea host Fulham, a match that will also pit him against his former Real Madrid teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, now in charge of the London club’s rivals.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, the former midfielder is shaping a squad aimed at re‑establishing Chelsea among the elite as they prepare for the 2026‑27 season, with the club’s leadership confident that his blend of tactical acumen and player development will yield results.