Xabi Alonso: Palmer has the desire and determination to have a great season.

Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly match, and new manager Xabi Alonso has said that Palmer has the desire and determination to have a great season and will take on a leadership role on the pitch.

In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Palmer scored 10 goals and provided one assist for Chelsea, while in the Champions League he scored one goal and provided two assists.

Unfortunately, Palmer was not selected for England's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said, "My feeling is that Palmer loves football and wants to enjoy the game. When he truly enjoys the game, that state naturally shows and it also infects those around him. Therefore, the most important thing is to let him enjoy the game and play at his best. He has proven his ability in the past, and this year, I can feel his desire and determination to have a great season."

“I see that he currently has a very positive mindset, along with extremely high individual ability and an excellent attitude. He is very willing to discuss football with me and to communicate what the team really needs. In this team, he will become the leader on the field. And the better Palmer performs, the stronger Chelsea will become, without a doubt.”

Xabi Alonso noted, "I think having a full preseason and being well-prepared is very important for him. We've established good communication and are getting to know each other better. So far, I really like his personality."

In addition, Xabi Alonso said, "I believe that discipline brings freedom. When a team has a clear tactical system and a clear division of responsibilities, players are able to use their judgment, talent and skills in the game. But at the same time, every player must abide by these basic principles so that the team can truly become a great team."

“I believe all players agree on this, because that’s how modern football is. Whether it’s Palmer, João Pedro, Morgan Rodgers, Gitens, or Dastan Satpayev, as well as all the forwards, they all have to embrace this philosophy.”

Image source: Internet