Alonso grateful for heat Stamford Bridge reception after optimistic pre-season outing

Xabi Alonso believes Chelsea have accomplished their pre-season preparations on a optimistic word after watching his facet beat Actual Sociedad 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Morgan Rogers opened his Chelsea account early on earlier than Joao Pedro struck twice after the break to offer the Blues a convincing victory in Alonso’s first recreation at Stamford Bridge.

The match additionally allowed a number of gamers to get their first minutes of pre-season, with Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Reece James amongst these returning after their involvement on the World Cup.

Alonso was inspired by what he noticed however acknowledged there may be nonetheless work to do earlier than Chelsea start their aggressive marketing campaign.

“It was an excellent remaining preparation recreation,” he mentioned.

“For some gamers it was their first recreation and for others it was their final one earlier than the season. There have been some good issues and likewise issues we are able to enhance, which is regular at this stage.

“It was nice to have everybody collectively. Some gamers had solely been again for 3 days and nonetheless managed to play 60 minutes.

“Now we’ve a full week to arrange for Fulham, however the feeling within the stadium was superb.”

Head coach welcomed to West London

The most important second of the afternoon for Alonso got here earlier than kick-off, when he obtained an enormous reception from the Stamford Bridge crowd as he was launched for his first residence recreation as Chelsea supervisor.

The previous Actual Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss admitted the welcome made the event significantly particular and believes constructing a powerful relationship with supporters might be an essential a part of his time in West London.

“It was emotional to expertise my first time right here at our new residence,” Alonso mentioned.

“The reception from the supporters for the staff, the employees and for me was improbable. I’m delighted.

“We need to construct that reference to the followers. We need to give them good soccer and, in return, they can provide us power.

“Having an excellent ambiance on this stadium is usually a enormous increase for the staff.”