Chelsea winger, Jamie Gittens, says he is part of Xabi Alonso’s plans for the 2026-27 season and is determined to establish himself after an injury-disrupted debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old England youth international said the new Chelsea manager has encouraged him to remain positive and continue playing with confidence following his £52 million move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Asked whether Alonso had confirmed he was in his plans, Gittens replied: “Yeah.”
“He just wants me to keep being positive, to keep taking on players, to keep creating chances and to keep pushing myself to the maximum.”
Gittens said Alonso commands immediate respect because of both his achievements as a player and his success as a coach.
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The Spaniard enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool FC and Bayern Munich before beginning his managerial career.
Alonso’s reputation grew significantly after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title and German Cup double in his first full season in charge, ending Bayern Munich’s long domestic dominance.
Reflecting on facing Leverkusen during his time in Germany, Gittens said: “It was really hard. They were really a team.”
Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, finishing 10th in the Premier League, missing out on European qualification and ending the season without a major trophy.
The club has since strengthened its squad during the transfer window, including the signing of Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal.
Gittens, who previously played alongside Rogers in Manchester City’s academy, believes the new arrivals will improve competition within the squad.
“He will raise the bar,” Gittens said.
The winger added that Chelsea’s ambitions remain unchanged despite last season’s struggles.
“We want to win everything.”
Gittens missed much of the second half of last season after suffering the first muscle injury of his career, a hamstring problem that sidelined him from January onwards.
The winger has returned to action during pre-season, scoring in Alonso’s first two behind-closed-doors friendlies against EFL clubs Crawley Town and Bromley.
After completing an individual conditioning programme during a holiday training camp in Portugal and Spain, he believes he is close to full fitness.
“I’m 90% fit. It has been hard because this was the first muscle injury I’ve had. I’m feeling much better; the hamstrings are good,” he said.
Gittens said he now wants to build on the glimpses he showed during his first season and become an important player under Alonso.
“I want to succeed here. I need to show people what I can do,” he said.
“I’ve shown small glimpses, I would say, but this season will be a good season.”
Chelsea are expected to continue their preparations for the new Premier League season with further pre-season fixtures before Alonso takes charge of his first competitive match as Blues manager.
