(Video): Xabi Alonso’s special rugby training drill is very “Arteta-coded”
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is incorporating rugby-style training drills to prepare his team for a physical match against Arsenal. The tactical approach draws comparisons to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's unconventional training methods.
Why it matters
High-profile sports management strategies often influence team performance and generate significant interest among fans and analysts.
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.
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