New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has revealed how he plans to get the best out of Cole Palmer this season.

Palmer, 24, enjoyed a superb first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge but struggled for form and fitness in 2025-26.

That resulted in the attacking midfielder missing out on a place in England's World Cup squad, two years after he scored for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.

Palmer has since enjoyed a full pre-season under Alonso, and ahead of the Blues' season opener with Fulham on Monday, the Spaniard was asked how he can revive the 24-year-old.

'First it has to be physical,' he told Men in Blazers Media Network. 'Because you need to feel healthy, you need to feel on your full potential 100 per cent to perform.

'Once you feel this healthy and fit then you need confidence. You need to feel that the system works, that you are enjoying your game and you have your responsibilities within the game.

'But Cole is a special player. If we want a great Chelsea, we need to have a great Cole.

'And for that we need to build a strong and stable structure to reach him in the right place in the right moments and then he will make the difference.'

Speaking on his World Cup snub earlier in pre-season, Palmer admitted he felt like he had a point to prove.

He also revealed that Alonso had reached out with a supportive message when news of his omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad was made public, a move that he appreciated.

And when pressed further on their relationship, Alonso shared some insight from his early conversations with Palmer.

'(I said to him) that this is an important season for everyone,' he added.

'And for him he can have a great impact in this great year we want to have, but mainly (I said) that he (needs to) feel confident to enjoy his game and for that we need to help him.'

Palmer also recently revealed he is back to full fitness, admitting he played when he 'probably shouldn't have done' as he managed a groin issue last season.

'I feel good now,' he said. 'The seven weeks (off over the summer) obviously helped. I'm ready to go again.'

After the trip to Fulham on Monday, Chelsea host Luton in the Carabao Cup second round on Thursday before they entertain Brighton on Sunday in a busy start to the 2026-27 campaign.