Xabi Alonso's opening week as Chelsea head coach has drawn comparisons to Mauricio Pochettino's methods rather than those of his predecessor Enzo Maresca — with the 44-year-old placing physical conditioning at the centre of his early work.

That focus is deliberate. Chelsea were outrun by opponents in all but one Premier League match last season, and Alonso's sessions at Cobham have addressed that problem from the very first day.

Alonso's message to the squad

In his first in-house interview, Alonso spoke of "soul, purpose and good energy" as the pillars of his approach. He praised the existing core of his squad but was candid: Chelsea must perform well both in training and in the transfer market to return to European competition.

His comments carry weight given that Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, losing two permanent managers before a caretaker took charge for the final six matches.

While working remotely from Spain before training began, Alonso spoke with Marc Cucurella ahead of his move to Real Madrid, called Enzo Fernandez to discuss his future, and contacted transfer targets including new full-back Marco Palestra. At his first media conference at Stamford Bridge on Monday, he confirmed he wants Fernandez to remain at the club.

Youngsters seize their opportunity

Several younger players have featured prominently in early sessions, among them midfielders Reggie Walsh and Landon Emenalo, winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, and defender Calvin Diakite. New signings Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, and Dastan Satpaev — who has special dispensation from Kairat to train with the squad before officially joining on his 18th birthday in August — have also taken part. Recalled loanees Nicolas Jackson and Aaron Anselmino are being assessed.

Monday's bleep test provided an early marker: Walsh, whose physique has developed considerably, finished first. Cole Palmer came second after an injury-disrupted season, with teenage forward Estevao Willian third.