Alonso heals Real Madrid scars to lead Chelsea’s senior revolution

Despite questions as to why he chose the Blues over his former club Liverpool, there was no offer on the table from the latter - and last month Alonso said "timing" took him to Chelsea rather than Anfield.

Alonso has also added full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta, who could prove key to implementing the system he used at Bayer Leverkusen, while talks remain open over left-sided option Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano.'I got a scar, now it is healed' Alonso would make contact with players in training during drills Alonso took his time coaching in youth football, but it soon felt - much like in his playing career - as though he could only achieve success.