Chelsea 2026-27 Season Preview: Key Talking Points Under Xabi Alonso

Chelsea Football Club enters the 2026-27 Premier League season facing a rare campaign without European football following a tumultuous recent period. Al Jazeera Sport examines the club's prospects as new manager Xabi Alonso takes charge at Stamford Bridge.

Instability has plagued the Blues, who have cycled through seven permanent managers since Thomas Tuchel's departure in May 2021. Following inconsistent finishes of 12th, sixth, fourth, and 10th in recent seasons, Alonso takes over a squad looking to recover its footing after Enzo Maresca's departure to Manchester City.

Tactically, Alonso is expected to lean toward a 3-4-3 formation, mirroring the system Antonio Conte used during Chelsea's 2016-17 title-winning campaign. This approach aims to bring stability after the rigid tactics and player discontent experienced under previous management.

Squad development will heavily rely on Cole Palmer rediscovering his best form. Despite a dip in performance during the team's 10th-place finish last year, the 24-year-old remains central to Chelsea's creative output. The arrival of England forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported 117 million pounds could ease the creative burden, though Alonso must successfully balance their positioning on the pitch.

Off-the-field uncertainty also surrounds the club. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez faced mixed reactions from supporters after a potential transfer saga, while ownership discussions continue as Todd Boehly and Mark Walter reportedly consider selling their stakes to Clearlake Capital.