EPL: Alonso hails Chelsea fans’ warm reception

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed his delight at the warm reception he received from supporters during his first home match at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard found the ovation from the fans before kick-off to be an emotional experience.

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It was emotional to feel my first time in the new home. A great reception from the supporters to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so delighted.

Alonso stressed the significance of fostering a robust relationship between the team, coaching staff, and the fanbase. He believes this connection is vital as the club prepares for the upcoming season. "It was emotional to feel my first time in the new home. A great reception from the supporters to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so delighted," Alonso was quoted as saying on Chelsea's official website.

Reflecting on Chelsea's final pre-season friendly, Alonso described it as a valuable test. He acknowledged that while some aspects of the performance were positive, there were also areas that require improvement, which he considers normal at this stage of preparation. "It was a very good last preparation game. For some players it was the first one and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this moment for some players."

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It was a very good last preparation game. For some players it was the first one and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this moment for some players.

The manager was pleased to have the full squad together, with several players gaining valuable match fitness by playing for approximately an hour. "It was great to have all the team together. Some of them after three days could play for 60 minutes. It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium."

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It was great to have all the team together. Some of them after three days could play for 60 minutes. It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium.

Alonso is convinced that a strong bond with the supporters will provide Chelsea with a significant advantage at Stamford Bridge. He aims for his team to reward the fans' backing with entertaining football and consistent positive performances. "We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and we connect. To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team," he added.

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We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and we connect. To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team.