Tag: Alonsos

Chelsea analysis: No Joao Pedro, no goals as Xabi Alonso’s problems mount
19 September 2026 Off

Chelsea analysis: No Joao Pedro, no goals as Xabi Alonso’s problems mount

By Total Football News

Chelsea signed a striker from Brighton for the second successive summer, bringing in Welbeck to reunite him with Joao Pedro and provide support in attack.

Welbeck, 35, was tidy in possession but, with little service, managed only 17 touches before being substituted in the 71st minute.

Unlike Joao Pedro, who is capable of creating chances for himself, Welbeck found it difficult to influence the game in the same way.

Joao

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Xabi Alonso’s first Chelsea match was a tale of four strikers
28 July 2026 Off

Xabi Alonso’s first Chelsea match was a tale of four strikers

By Total Football News

Xabi Alonso’s first match as Chelsea manager was defined by four strikers – an untouchable one, one that struggled again and could leave, a promising talent, and one that could join.

The star was Joao Pedro, who scored a nine-minute hat-trick to help Alonso’s side to a 6-4 win against Western Sydney Wanderers in a match that highlighted the gulf between Premier League and A-League teams.

Perhaps it was the

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What will £117m Morgan Rogers bring to Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea
20 July 2026 Off

What will £117m Morgan Rogers bring to Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea

By Total Football News

Palmer first performed his ‘cold’ celebration in December 2023 after scoring two goals in a 3-2 win at Luton.

He has since taken ownership of the celebration, literally, registering a trademark for it with the UK Intellectual Property Office after scoring two goals against Luton.

However, it was first meant as a tribute to Rogers as he performed the celebration after a goal for Middlesbrough against West Brom.

It was

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Inside Xabi Alonso’s first week at Chelsea with secret friendlies
14 July 2026 Off

Inside Xabi Alonso’s first week at Chelsea with secret friendlies

By Total Football News

Alonso and his wife, Nagore Aranburu, are in the process of finding a permanent home in London. The city itself was a major attraction for the couple, who are interested in culture, film and music and have teenage children.

They remained in Spain until the day before the first training session. During that time, Alonso worked remotely on transfer business with Chelsea‘s five-strong sporting director team, with whom he

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Chelsea close in on £43m Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso’s first signing
23 June 2026 Off

Chelsea close in on £43m Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso’s first signing

By Total Football News

Chelsea are set to make Atalanta defender Marco Palestra the first signing for new boss Xabi Alonso for a fee in excess of £43m.

Palestra had been expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan following a successful loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A’s best defender.

However, after 24 hours of talks, the Premier League club have emerged as the 21-year-old’s preferred destination as sources

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