Xabi Alonso says a strong relationship between Chelsea and the Stamford Bridge supporters could provide a “massive boost” this season, despite Enzo Fernandez receiving boos during the club’s 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Morgan Rogers marked his home debut by giving Chelsea an early lead after only 11 minutes. Joao Pedro’s header was saved by Alex Remiro, but Rogers reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range.
Real Sociedad restored parity just before half-time when Jon Aramburu found the net. Chelsea responded after the interval, with Joao Pedro scoring twice to secure the win for Alonso’s side.
The forward’s first goal came with a header at the far post. His second was an impressive counter-attacking finish after Malo Gusto released him with a searching through-ball.
Chelsea fielded a strong team for their final pre-season fixture and produced an encouraging performance against their Spanish opponents. They recorded 1.57 expected goals (xG), compared with Real Sociedad’s 0.97, while holding 58.9% possession.
They also created two Opta-defined big chances and did not allow Real Sociedad a single opportunity in that category.
The match also saw several Chelsea players who had gone furthest at the World Cup return to action. Argentina midfielder Fernandez came on in the 62nd minute but was met by a mixed reception from the home crowd.
Some supporters jeered Fernandez, who has pushed for a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer. Real Madrid and Manchester City have both been credited with an interest in signing him.
Alonso, however, was pleased with the broader response from the Chelsea fans and said the atmosphere inside the stadium would be important to the team.
He told Chelsea’s media channels: “It was a very good last preparation game.
“For some players, it was the first [friendly] and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this point.
“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.
“It was emotional, my first time in a new home. It was a great reception from the supporters, to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so I was delighted.
“We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and then we can connect.
“To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team.”
Alonso described the match as a valuable final preparation exercise, with some players making their first and only friendly appearance before the competitive campaign begins. He added that the squad had shown positive signs while also identifying areas that still needed improvement.
Chelsea begin their Premier League season with a short trip to Craven Cottage on 24 August, when they will face Fulham.
In their previous 38 Premier League meetings, Chelsea have beaten Fulham 23 times. They have lost only four of those matches, with the other 11 ending in draws.
