Maxence Lacroix Chelsea tactical analysis: How he fits in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1
Xabi Alonso's Premier League arrival at Craven Cottage delivered the sort of box-office theatre the Stamford Bridge board paid for.
A breathless 3-2 victory over Fulham saw Morgan Rogers open his Chelsea account, ensuring the back-page headlines focused on Alonso's new-look front line and the attacking talent at his disposal.
Beneath the headlines surrounding Rogers’ debut goal and Cole Palmer's influence, another tactical detail emerged from the way the Blues built their attacks, writes Sports News Blitz’s Joseph Kan’gethe.
Premier League: Fulham vs Chelsea betting preview and prediction
Monday night's Premier League action kicks off with a high-stakes West London derby as Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, writes Sports News Blitz’s Joseph Kan’gethe.
All eyes are on whether the Blues’ head coach Xabi Alonso can quickly establish the control and structure he wants from his team.
Premier League analysis: Managers with the clearest tactical ideas – Alonso, Maresca, Arteta and more
Every successful team has a recognisable way of playing, but only a handful of coaches enforce a tactical identity that remains consistent regardless of the opponent, writes Sports News Blitz’s Joseph Kan’gethe.
A tactical identity shapes how a team builds attacks, presses, defends, and creates chances, giving players a system they can rely on in different match situations. This analysis compares five different managers whose teams reflect those principles in different ways.
Chelsea analysis: Five talking points ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge
Few clubs will be under a bigger spotlight this season than Chelsea, writes Sports News Blitz’s Joseph Kan’gethe.
After yet another summer of change, the Blues have handed Xabi Alonso the keys to a new era, with supporters hoping the former Real Madrid boss can restore them to the summit of English football.
From summer signings and tactical ideas to the absence of European football, several factors could shape how Chelsea progress under the Spaniard.
With a new campaign approaching, here are five talking points worth watching ahead of Alonso’s first season in charge.
Joao Pedro hat-trick seals chaotic 6-4 Chelsea win in Xabi Alonso's debut
Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with an entertaining victory after beating Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 in a remarkable pre-season friendly in Sydney on Tuesday, July 2.
Joao Pedro was the star of the show, coming off the bench to score a nine-minute hat-trick as the Blues recovered after falling behind three separate times.
Soccer analysis: The key parts of Xabi Alonso’s appointment
After the disappointment of the FA Cup final defeat to Man City, there was at least something for Chelsea fans to smile about.
Less than 24 hours later, it was announced that Spaniard Xabi Alonso would be the club’s next manager.
Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal reviews this appointment and looks ahead to what might be in store for Chelsea fans with Alonso at the helm.
Chelsea manager search: Leading managers to take over the job next season
Ever since the departure of Liam Rosenior, the big question for Chelsea has been simple: “Who will be taking the job for next season?”
Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal looks at the leading candidates for the Chelsea managerial position at the moment.
Soccer news: Liverpool, Man City or Spain? Where next for Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s sudden departure from Real Madrid has sparked immediate speculation, with several European heavyweights now monitoring his next move.
Real Madrid, despite being the most successful club in Champions League history and one of the biggest sporting institutions in the world, are not known for their patience, something Alonso discovered on Monday.
Sports News Blitz writer Oliver Powell looks at what could be next for Alonso, with a return to one of his former playing sides a possibility.
Champions League analysis: Five key talking points from Real Madrid vs Man City
In just their second ever victory at the Bernabeu, Manchester City were worthy winners against a largely lacklustre Real Madrid side.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Tom Gardiner gives his thoughts on the game.
Kylian Mbappe and Xabi Alonso among winners at KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, and FC Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal were among the major winners at the inaugural KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, on May 28.