Secret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at Chelsea

Secret friendlies and promoting youngsters - Alonso's first week at ChelseaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Xabi Alonso agreed a four-year deal to join Chelsea in MayByNizaar KinsellaFootball reporterPublishedJust nowCommentsXabi Alonso's start to pre-season has been likened to more of a Mauricio Pochettino blueprint than an Enzo Maresca one.The 44-year-old has focused on improving the physicality of his squad in the early stages of his reign after Chelsea were outrun by their opponents in all but one of their Premier League matches last season.Alonso's message to the players has been positive. While the former Real Madrid manager has been keen not to dwell on last season's shortcomings, his coaching at Cobham suggests he has been paying close attention to them."Soul, purpose and good energy" were among the key messages Alonso highlighted in his first in-house interview.Although he praised the core of his squad, he said Chelsea would have to get a lot right on both the training pitch and in the transfer market to qualify for Europe again.His comments suggest he has identified what was missing in a campaign in which Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League after two permanent managers departed and the season ended under the stewardship of a caretaker boss for the final six matches.While clues about the future have been spotted in his first few days, the real picture won't emerge until he faces his former team-mate and Real Madrid managerial successor Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season in late August. Youngsters get chance to impress AlonsoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Estevao Willian is back in pre-season training having been injured at the end of last season and not being fit enough to be selected for Brazil at the World CupAlonso 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,...