Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens discusses new season preparations and Xabi Alonso’s impact

By Emeka Nwosu — 26 July 2026 — 3 min read

Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens has spoken about his preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 season and his initial impressions of new manager Xabi Alonso. The West London club is looking to improve after a challenging 2025/26 campaign, which saw them finish tenth in the table.

Gittens, who joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund, endured a difficult first season marked by underwhelming performances and injuries. He is now focused on making a stronger impact under Alonso’s leadership.

Gittens’ readiness for the new season

Reflecting on his previous season, Gittens described it as tough, particularly due to his first muscle injury. He revealed that he had never experienced hamstring injuries before, making it a significant challenge. Despite this, he expressed confidence about his current physical condition.

During his summer break, Gittens dedicated himself to training in locations such as Portugal and Marbella, aiming to be in peak condition for the new season. He stated, “I’m feeling much better, more confident now. My body is better. Hamstrings are good, so I’m just waiting for the season to start.”

The 21-year-old also shared his ambition to succeed at Stamford Bridge, acknowledging that he has only shown glimpses of his potential so far. He has set individual objectives for himself, which he has documented, indicating a clear focus on personal improvement.

Alonso’s influence and playing style

Gittens provided insight into his interactions with Xabi Alonso, highlighting the manager’s approach to individual player development. Alonso has reportedly encouraged Gittens to “keep being positive, taking on players, creating chances and pushing myself to the maximum.”

Gittens described Alonso as a “very nice guy” who engages with players individually to discuss areas for improvement. He also noted Alonso’s “aura,” attributing it to his past as a top player and his current role as a coach. Alonso’s experience playing for clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool as a world-class midfielder was also mentioned as a significant factor.

The winger believes that Alonso’s style of play, which reportedly includes a 4-3-3 formation with two wingers, could suit him well. He views Alonso’s guidance as beneficial for the team, given the manager’s background as a former top player.

Chelsea is currently on a pre-season tour that includes matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham in Oceania, followed by games against Juventus and AC Milan in Hong Kong and Indonesia, respectively. They will also face Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C. before their final friendly against Real Sociedad.

Looking ahead for Gittens

Gittens’ first season at Chelsea, following his transfer from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £51.5 million according to one source, or £48.5 million according to another, did not meet expectations. He registered one goal and five assists last season, with a persistent hamstring injury impacting his progress.

With Alonso now at the helm, there is a sense of a fresh start for Gittens. He will be aiming to secure a regular starting position and demonstrate his capabilities to the new manager. The club’s pre-season tour provides an opportunity for Alonso to assess his squad, including Gittens.

Gittens scored in a 3-0 friendly win against Bromley, with Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Emegha also on the scoresheet. This goal could bolster his case for a more prominent role in the upcoming campaign. Chelsea also secured a 3-1 victory against Crawley Town.

The club has also launched its new away kit for the 2026/27 season, described as a celebration of the club’s ‘Italian Renaissance’ with a black base and gold trim, paying tribute to their transformative 1990s era.

Source: lastwordonsports.com