Xabi Alonso is obviously a respectable figure in football, and it has helped him in his early days at Chelsea. | OneFootball

What Chelsea can expect during pre-season under Xabi Alonso. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has opened up on how he feels training under new manager Xabi Alonso, whose illustrious playing career has helped him earn instant respect in the squad.

It has been a few weeks since Alonso took charge of his first training session at Chelsea earlier this month.

While it is still far from ideal conditions with so many stars absent due to the 2026 World Cup, there were still plenty of players who reported back early for pre-season.

This has also given Alonso the chance to work more closely with the academy players, some of whom may be involved with the first team going forward.

Fofana is among the players who have been involved since the start of the pre-season, and he admitted that it has not all been smooth sailing.

“Training has been good,” the France international told Chelsea’s in-house media team when speaking about the pre-season.

Spirits are high in the Chelsea camp as they settle into life under Alonso. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

“There have been some tough sessions, but we know what we are working for.

“We want to have a good season, and we are learning a lot and understanding what the new manager wants from us.”

Alonso revered by Chelsea players

For many young managers, the first pre-season at a club is usually the period when they have to try to earn the trust and respect of the players.

Based on Fofana’s admission, this has not been the case for Alonso, thanks to the manager’s playing career.

“He was an unbelievable player; one of the best of his generation,” the centre-back explained.

“So, of course, you listen when he talks because he has experience of playing for big clubs and winning everything.

“He knows how to explain things well and manage players. He and his staff are top. We are enjoying working with them.”

Fofana also mentioned how during the pre-season game against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, Alonso gave the players some “little details” during half-time that demonstrated his football knowledge.

Chelsea ended up winning the game 6-4, with Joao Pedro stealing the limelight after scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist as a substitute.

Joao Pedro celebrates scoring Chelsea's fourth goal with teammates. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Like most first-team players in the pre-season squad, Fofana only came on in the 63rd minute in the second half.

In this game, Alonso decided to start Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo as the centre-back pairing.

There is clearly room for improvement given the four goals they conceded in the game, but this is what the pre-season is for.

The presence of Maxence Lacroix, whose signing was announced on Thursday, in Chelsea’s defence will certainly help solve some defensive problems once he joins his new teammates for the pre-season.

Lacroix, who represented France in the World Cup, remains on extended leave like many other Chelsea internationals.

Chelsea will next face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, August 1, as part of their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.

Alonso has five more pre-season games to prepare his team for the new season.

The Spaniard will be in charge of his first competitive match in Chelsea’s Premier League opening game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.