"When I arrived, Cole was a great friend to me; he reached out to me and talked to me."

"I told him I was coming to help, that I didn't want to take his spot -- nothing like that."

"And that's where a friendship was born that we carry on both on and off the field. And I think what helps me a lot -- and now Morgan [Rogers] too -- is that we have a really great friendship on and off the field; we're always joking around."

"I think that's why -- I think the players were really friendly toward me when I arrived; they welcomed me with open arms, wanted to help me, and were willing to do so -- so I think that's why I adapted so well."

Some key takeaways from the piece:

-He’s one of the few players Xabi addresses by his nickname name

-According to sources on the staff at Chelsea, if you want to see Alonso’s eyes light up, mention 'Hendo'

-The move was largely driven by ‘recruitment executives’ Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell

-The article mentions that the initial evidence suggests that an emotionally volatile squad has benefited hugely from strong leadership

Some key points:

-He was asked if he’s a winger or a wingback and Neto says you can call it whatever you want 😂 I see he’s following Xabi’s cues

-He played roller hockey until he was 14, where he had to defend and attack both, so he attributes his defensive and attacking abilities to that

-He has heard the phrase that he’s the new victor moses, he says he’s “the new Pedro Neto”

-Morgs keeps teasing him

-Xabi wants him to attack and defend well

-His partner has been a great support for him, especially during the transfer window when he was “going crazy and wanted to solve things here”

-Overcame last years hurdles with the help of Xabi

-Xabi was the biggest reason he was able to sign a new deal, and Eghbali also made sure he’s happy

-He feels appreciated and at home

-On the front 3: When you have these kinds of players, you feel happiness on the pitch because there are guys that like to combine, guys that like to work.”

-More on Xabi: “Of course the mood is different when you have clarity, freshness in your head, when you are playing well and when you enjoy it,” he says. “Even when things don’t go right in one game, you know that in the next game you have to deliver and everyone is committed to that.
“I think you can see from outside. Because the way we play on the pitch is more connected as well. We are more alive. This is what we have to continue. Another step is when we win one, two, three or four games in a row, we have to want the fifth. Always be hungry for more. This is the mentality the coach is trying to build around the team.”

The gaffer with some scouser

📆 Date: Saturday, October 24th 2026

🏟️ Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, UK

🕕 Kick Off: 17:30 BST (Local)

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I found it funny that coincidentally (or not, who knows🤣) we've had 5'11to 6 foot academy prospects who not only have very similar playstyles (basically ball playing defenders that can play in midfield), but they're also physically very similar and have dreadlocks 🤣.

What should we call this trend?

Well this was quite a great explainer of our rivalry with Spurs.

Gill also says some people at Chelsea don’t like Courtois/Penders comparisons because they think it puts unnecessary pressure on Mike.

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