Xabi Alonso vows to build Chelsea team around 'special' Cole Palmer
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has identified Cole Palmer as the cornerstone of his tactical revolution at Stamford Bridge.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Xabi Alonso has officially begun his tenure as Chelsea manager, outlining a clear vision to build his squad around star playmaker Cole Palmer. Despite currently missing out on the international stage, Palmer has been a focal point of Alonso's early pre-season sessions.
Since joining from Manchester City in September 2023, Palmer has emerged as a talismanic figure for the London club. With 54 goals and 32 assists in 131 appearances, he has proven his quality repeatedly, even as the club endured a difficult 10th-place finish last season. Alonso is now tasking himself with sparking a tactical revolution by maximizing Palmer's unique abilities.
«He is a special player, a different class with a different quality, and if we help him by building a team around him that allows his talent to shine, we will be closer to success. I am sure of that,» said Xabi Alonso.
Alonso’s appointment brings a collaborative structure, with the manager working alongside five sporting directors to align recruitment with his specific on-pitch vision. The Spaniard has praised Palmer's positive mindset and enthusiasm since they began working together at the training ground.
While the team struggled domestically last year, Palmer has already secured silverware, including the 2024-25 Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Alonso is now focused on trimming the squad and integrating his ideas ahead of the Premier League campaign, aiming to restore Chelsea to the top tier of English football.