Chelsea are preparing to take on Arsenal this weekend, and they’re trying something unusual in training.
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Xabi Alonso will shortly be taking his press conference ahead of Sunday’s big Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The new Chelsea manager will be coming straight off the training pitch, where he’s been doing some unusual drills with his players.
James Saavundra of Sky Sports noticed that the Chelsea coach had got some big, padded rugby tackle bags in the session. This is presumably to prepare the Blues for Arsenal’s very physical approach, especially at set pieces.
Finally former All Black Willie Isa, who is a sort of culture coach with the Blues, can get stuck in on the training pitch.
Alonso prepares to take on old friend Arteta
Alonso is a childhood friend of Arsenal Mikel Arteta, and the two will face off in the Premier League as managers for the first time this weekend.
Funnily enough, this sort of thing is straight out of the Arteta handbook. He famously played “You’ll Never Walk Alone” on loudspeakers at training as he prepared his team to go to Anfield a few years ago.
Arsenal lost that game – let’s hope Chelsea do a little better on Sunday when they take on the reigning champions.
Chelsea are taking preparation to another level… 🏉⚽️
The Blues have been using rugby tackle bags in training to get ready for the physical battle against Arsenal at the Emirates this Sunday. 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/6OzyS25hcW
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 4, 2026
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