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Xabi Alonso: "It's Pre-season, Results Don't Matter"

August 2, 2026Diego Herrera1 мин

"It's pre-season, and the result isn't the most important thing. I think it was positive for many players to play 75 minutes for the first time."

Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Tottenham ended in defeat for the London club. However, manager Xabi Alonso has expressed a relaxed outlook on the outcome, emphasizing that the primary goal of these early matches is to build fitness and allow players to gain valuable playing time.

Alonso highlighted the significance of players reaching the 75-minute mark, suggesting it was a crucial step in their preparation for the upcoming season. He indicated that the focus remains on the team's development and individual player progress rather than the scoreline.

The Spaniard's comments suggest a strategic approach to the pre-season campaign, prioritizing physical conditioning and tactical integration over immediate victories. This perspective suggests that while competitive spirit is present, the ultimate measure of success in these games lies in the players' readiness for the official fixtures.