Xabi Alonso now knows when his first home competitive game as Chelsea manager will take place. The Spaniard was appointed as the Blues' new boss shortly after last season's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, though he did not officially begin work until the start of July.
Awaiting Stamford Bridge Debut
During his unveiling last month, Alonso said he was looking forward to making his Stamford Bridge debut, though he has had to wait a while to mark the exact date in his calendar. This is because Chelsea start their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away from home at west London rivals Fulham - now managed by Alonso's successor at Real Madrid last season, Alvaro Arbeloa.
“I will feel goosebumps for sure. Those days, they are special. When you are in the new home you want to perform good,” Alonso revealed. “So that day, it will be in the Carabao or against Brighton, but you want to have that feeling from the first day and that's marked in our calendars. We will get ready for that but the stadium is, it can create this heat. It works both ways. We need to create that bond to feel that when we play at home, we are strong.”
Carabao Cup Draw Confirms Opponent
Following the Carabao Cup second round draw, it's now confirmed that Alonso's first home game as Chelsea manager - in a competitive fixture - will be against League One opposition in Luton Town. The match is scheduled to take place the week commencing August 24, though with the Blues facing Fulham that day, it's likely the visit of Jack Wilshere's side will be on August 27, which is three days before Brighton visit Stamford Bridge.
Alonso will get his first experience of a home game as Blues boss this weekend when his boyhood club Real Sociedad make the trip to the capital for an historic pre-season friendly.
Alonso's First Six Games as Chelsea Manager
- 24/08 - Fulham (a)
- TBC - Luton (h)
- 30/08 - Brighton (h)
- 06/09 - Arsenal (a)
- 12/09 - Hull City (h)
- 18/09 - Brentford (a)
*Fixtures subject to change.
