Chelsea will be eager to impress on what was an awful 2025/26 campaign, with the West London club finishing tenth in the table. Life under Enzo Maresca appeared promising after winning the Europa Conference League in his first season, before signing Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, and winning the Club World Cup in style, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.
Chelsea’s campaign ultimately fell apart with Maresca departing and his successor, Liam Rosenior, falling short of expectations and being relieved of his duties before the end of the season. Xabi Alonso is now at the wheel, and ahead of the new season, Gittens spoke to Simon Johnson at The Athletic regarding his preparation for the season and the aura of the new manager.
New Era at Stamford Bridge Begins
Jamie Gittens Preparing for Improvements in 2026/27
It remains to be seen if Alonso is the right appointment to bring trophies back to Stamford Bridge. New players are joining, and optimism appears to be returning ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Gittens showed glimpses in his first season, but it was ultimately a big disappointment, as he failed to hold down a regular starting position and suffered with injuries. Revealing how he’s feeling ahead of the new season, Gittens said:
“I’m feeling much better, more confident now,” he said with a big smile. “My body is better. Hamstrings are good, so I’m just waiting for the season to start. I was training every day (during his summer break), in Portugal, in Marbella; training myself to the maximum to get ready for the season.
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“It (last season) was hard because this was the first muscle injury I have had. I have never had hamstring injuries before. It was a challenge at the start but I am better now.
“This is such a big club. I want to succeed here. I need to show people what I can do. I will keep working hard. I have shown glimpses, small bits. But this season will be a good season.”
“I set myself some objectives (of what he wants to achieve at Chelsea) individually that I will keep to myself,” he continues. “I have written them down on a piece of paper,” added Gittens.
Gittens Reveals Alonso Aura
Gittens also revealed his new boss told him to “keep being positive, taking on players, creating chances and pushing myself to the maximum.”
“He’s a very nice guy,” Gittens added. “He talks to us individually, speaks about what we can improve on. As a player, that’s all you want. Does he have an aura? Yeah, a bit because he was a top player back in the day and now a top coach.
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“I think so (Alonso’s style of play suiting him more). Last season was a 4-3-3 as well, with two wingers, which is always good — so let’s just see. He was obviously a top player, so for him to come in and teach us is the best thing for us. He was at Real Madrid and Liverpool, a world-class midfielder. He is probably the best to ever do it.”
The Future for Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens enjoyed a forgettable first season in West London, delivering underwhelming performances and suffering from injury problems towards the end of the season.
The Brit joined Chelsea in a £51.5 million deal from Borussia Dortmund, hoping he would bring pace, directness and a goal threat to Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, Gittens did not deliver anywhere near the expectations. Whether Alonso sees Gittens in his plans remains to be seen, but if he can play his way into the new manager’s plans, it will be a great recovery for the 21-year-old.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Newspix
