Xabi Alonso does not start his job as Chelsea manager until the beginning of next month but already the Spaniard has had a big impact on some of the club’s key players
Reece James has already been in touch with incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso – and the Blues captain is “delighted” he will get the chance to work with the Spaniard.
Alonso was appointed Chelsea manager last month but the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder will not officially start his role until July 1. The 44-year-old coach will look to get his feet under the table at the club’s training base in Cobham before he begins to meet members of the first-team squad.
There are a number of key players over in North America for the World Cup, including captain James. That has not stopped the England international for speaking with his newly-appointed gaffer. James compared the appointment and his feelings around it to when Frank Lampard was handed the Chelsea job in 2019.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
In an interview with eSPORTY, James said: “We’ve spoken a couple of times on the phone. I haven’t met him [Alonso] in person yet. Everyone I’ve spoken to about him says he’s an amazing, amazing manager.
“I know him more from his playing career. You know, he had an amazing career, and now I’m excited to welcome him.
“It’s strange. I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard. He was one of my idols growing up, and then when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment. I’m delighted that Xabi Alonso is our manager.”
Alonso is understood to have spoken to a lot of his new players on the phone in light-hearted conversations before the real work begins next month. The new Chelsea boss will work with those not at the World Cup for a couple of weeks at Cobham before jetting off to Sydney for the start of their pre-season tour.
Those representing their countries at the moment will meet up with the rest of the Chelsea squad during their time on the other side of the world – when and where depends on how far their nations get in the World Cup.
