Chelsea wrapped up their pre‑season programme with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, a result that offered manager Xabi Alonso a valuable glimpse into the shape his side may adopt for the Premier League opener against Fulham. The match served both as a confidence booster and as a laboratory for tactical experimentation, highlighting the strengths and growing pains of a squad in transition. For the third consecutive friendly, Alonso deployed a back three, echoing the fluid 3‑4‑3 system that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen when they clinched the 2024 Bundesliga title.
The formation featured British‑record signing Morgan Rogers and newly arrived defender Maxence Lacroix, both of whom made their debuts. Rogers made an immediate impact, slotting home a simple finish inside the opening ten minutes.
Despite the early lead, Chelsea struggled to impose themselves in the first half, sitting deep and failing to press the Spanish side effectively. Real Sociedad deservedly levelled the score before the break when Jon Mikel Aramburu unleashed a superb volley after forcing goalkeeper Robert Sánchez into a series of saves. Alonso made no changes at halftime, and the Blues emerged a markedly different side.
Within two minutes of the restart, Reece James delivered a pinpoint cross that João Pedro headed into the net. The Argentine striker later added his seventh pre‑season goal with a composed finish, sealing a 2‑1 lead. However, the evening was not without controversy. Enzo Fernández entered the fray in the 62nd minute to a mixed chorus of boos and cheers from the Stamford Bridge crowd.
Some supporters expressed displeasure over recent transfer rumors linking him with Manchester City, while others sang his name in support, underscoring the divided sentiment surrounding the Argentine midfielder. Sky Sports reporters Lyall Thomas and Kaveh Solhekol added further context, noting interest from Marseille and Benfica in defender Tosin, who was omitted from the matchday squad. They also hinted that forwards Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson could depart within the next fortnight after missing the friendly, and suggested that winger Mykhailo Mudryk might be sent out on loan, with Pedro Neto also listed as a potential exit.
Alonso’s tactical blueprint has evolved over the pre‑season. He began with a 4‑2‑3‑1 in the first two games before switching to a 3‑4‑3 against AC Milan, a match that produced a convincing 3‑0 victory and arguably represented the best performance of the summer. Against Real Sociedad, the 3‑4‑3 appeared fluid enough to morph into a four‑man defence at times, as Moises Caicedo dropped into the back line to collect the ball and Wesley Fofana drifted wide on the right. Wing‑backs Pedro Neto and Marco Palaestra were effectively tucked into a back five, while Rogers and Cole Palmer operated as inside forwards, providing an extra layer of creativity.
The first half exposed some deficiencies in the system. Chelsea’s deep‑lying stance limited their ability to press, and the distance between the lines made it difficult to close down the opposition quickly. After the interval, the team pushed higher up the pitch, compressing space and applying a more aggressive press that forced Sociedad into uncomfortable positions. The back three, anchored by Lacroix, dominated the midfield line, while the wing‑backs pressed the wingers and helped regain possession higher up the field.
Although the formation still feels like a work in progress, Alonso has shown a willingness to adapt. Even after a flurry of second‑half substitutions, the back three remained intact, suggesting that he values the defensive stability it provides while still seeking the optimal balance between attack and defense. The flexibility of his squad means he could revert to a four‑man defence if the need arises, but the current trend points toward a commitment to the 3‑4‑3, at least for the opening league fixtures. Fernández’s reception was a focal point of post‑match discussion.
The midfielder entered the field less than 24 hours after Manchester City missed Chelsea’s self‑imposed 5 p.m. deadline to submit a bid, fueling speculation about his future. While rumors linked him to Real Madrid—especially after his own admission in April that he dreams of a move to the Spanish giants—Chelsea appear set to retain him for the 2026/27 season. His recent involvement in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, where he featured prominently against England and Spain, added an international dimension to the fan reaction, though it remains unclear whether the boos were directed at his perceived lack of loyalty or at the broader transfer chatter.
Regardless of the noise, Fernández remains a key component of Alonso’s plans. His ability to link midfield and attack, break lines with intelligent runs, and contribute defensively makes him an essential piece in the puzzle.
Demonstrating his value on the pitch will be the most effective way to win over any skeptical supporters. On the attacking front, João Pedro has entered the new season in scorching form. After being omitted from the World Cup squad, he has responded with seven goals in five pre‑season appearances, establishing himself as Chelsea’s de‑facto No 9, albeit partly due to the limited options available.
The absence of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap—both of whom were left out of the squad amid uncertainty about their futures—forced Alonso to rely heavily on Pedro and the veteran Danny Welbeck, who also did not feature. This situation highlights the club’s ongoing recruitment challenges, particularly in the forward department, where depth remains a concern despite a busy transfer window.
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign kicks off against Fulham on Monday Night Football, scheduled for 8 p.m. on 24 August, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The pre‑season itinerary has been globe‑spanning, with fixtures in Sydney, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Johor, culminating in the Real Sociedad friendly at Stamford Bridge on 15 August. As the Blues prepare for their first competitive match, the tactical clues gathered from these games—especially the preference for a flexible 3‑4‑3—will shape their approach against a Fulham side eager to start the season strongly.