Xabi Alonso described Enzo Fernandez as a “top, top player” amid speculation linking the midfielder with a move away from Chelsea.
Fernandez has made no secret of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge this summer and has been linked with both Manchester City and Real Madrid.
But with Chelsea’s deadline for all interested parties to declare their hand having passed, it looks like the Argentina international will be staying until January at least.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s Premier League opener at West London rivals Fulham, Alonso said: “Enzo is a Chelsea player. He’s a top, top player.
“He’s training really, really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated, and we are happy with him. He’s getting ready for Monday.”
Pushed on whether Fernandez, who was booed by sections of the Chelsea support during the pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at the weekend, has told him he wants to stay, Alonso added: “He’s training really well and I see him with a really good attitude, and that’s what we want, that everyone is trying their best and preparing for the kick-off of the Premier League.”
Chelsea are ready – Alonso
Chelsea missed out on European football for this season after a disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Premier League but hopes are high of a bounce back under former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso.
“We feel ready,” said the Spaniard. “We have prepared the whole pre-season. The desire, ambition and hunger to start is already in the building.”
Asked if a top-four finish was possible, he added: “Ambition is to be as high as possible. Let’s see where we are in May. We need the hunger to do well and create a good spirit.”
Joao Pedro is sure to be a key man for Chelsea this season and reports this week suggest the forward is in line to receive a bumper new contract.
Alonso said: “We talk a lot with Joao because he is not just a great player. He has a great personality. His development as a great player and as a leader is very noticeable in each game. He has this focus and desire to have a great season.”
Friendship with Arbeloa put to one side for MNF
Monday’s meeting pits the last two Madrid managers against each other with Alonso taking on Fulham’s Alvaro Arebloa.
The pair share a close friendship but Alonso was eager to stress that a win is all that matters on Monday Night Football.
“You can have a relationship but once we’re on the pitch, no friends and no past. We are fighting for 90 minutes,” he said. “Football is about mentality, it’s about competitiveness, it’s about going through difficult moments in the game. It’s so important. Starting on Monday, it’s going to be a nice battle.”
Danny Welbeck is expected to return to training on Saturday and is likely to be involved at Craven Cottage.
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