At Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, players have already remarked on one way that Xabi Alonso has lived up to his reputation. The training sessions rarely follow a set pattern, ensuring the squad have to think about everything a lot more. They’re kept on their toes, if not to the same degree that Liverpool are. Andoni Iraola has his new group adapting to different “physiological demands”. There’s been a jolt.
At Newcastle United, Matthias Jaissle may not have such a reputation, but he’s had a similar effect. People have already been impressed, to the point of perceived “sacrilege”. Many are talking about how the coaching is a higher quality than Eddie Howe.
