Maxence Lacroix eyes a 'beautiful season' as Chelsea return
Maxence Lacroix says Chelsea are heading into a "beautiful season" as the Blues prepare for their opening Premier League match against Fulham on Monday night. The French centre-back is ready to start at the heart of defence with Wesley Fofana unavailable, and Lacroix has told Chelsea's official site he feels settled despite a short preseason after World Cup duty.
For fans tracking the new campaign on TV and streaming, Chelsea's return marks the first competitive look at Maxence Lacroix in blue. The defender arrives as the dominant central presence the squad has been seeking, and his Monday-night role against Fulham is the clearest signal yet of how Xabi Alonso plans to rebuild at the back.
Key Takeaways
- Lacroix says "it's going to be a beautiful season" ahead of Chelsea's Fulham opener.
- He is expected to start at centre-back while Wesley Fofana is sidelined after a red card.
- The World Cup delayed his preseason, but Lacroix says he has settled in quickly with Alonso and his teammates.
- Lacroix is comfortable playing in a back three or back four under Chelsea's new manager.
- Chelsea's opening Premier League fixture is Monday night against Fulham.
Why is Maxence Lacroix ready for Chelsea's season opener?
Chelsea travel to Fulham for their first Premier League game of the season on Monday night, and Lacroix is set to feature at the heart of the defence. Si Phillips Talks Chelsea reports that Wesley Fofana will be unavailable after picking up a red card, clearing the path for the summer signing to step in immediately.
Talk Chelsea notes that Lacroix's preseason was limited because he was involved in the World Cup until the final week. Even so, the Frenchman said he has "settled in well" since joining and praised daily work with Alonso and the squad. "It's been really good working with the manager and the other players," Lacroix told Chelsea's official website. "All the guys are good and it's been top training with them every day."
Can Lacroix play in a back three or back four?
Alonso may deploy Chelsea in different shapes this season, and Lacroix says he is prepared for either system. In the same club interview, relayed by Talk Chelsea, he explained that he has experience in both setups at Wolfsburg, Crystal Palace and with France.
"I've played back three and I've played back four at Wolfsburg, at Palace and also in the national team. So for me it's all right for both tactics," Lacroix said. He added that adaptability matters: "I think it's important for any player to be able to play different ways. And also to understand how we want to play, that is always important for me."
What message is Lacroix sending Chelsea fans?
Beyond tactics, Lacroix is framing the start of Alonso's era in upbeat terms. According to Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, he told supporters to expect a "beautiful season" as the club kicks off against Fulham. That tone matches his on-pitch readiness after a delayed arrival from international duty.
For viewers following Streaming & TV Alerts, Monday's West London derby is the first chance to see whether Chelsea's new defensive anchor can set the standard for the campaign. Lacroix's debut in a competitive fixture arrives with high stakes and a squad still finding its rhythm under a new manager.
Who is missing for Chelsea against Fulham?
Fofana's absence after a red card is the main confirmed lineup note ahead of kickoff. With Lacroix slotted into central defence, Chelsea will lean on a newcomer who says he is already comfortable in the dressing room and in Alonso's training environment.
The Fulham fixture opens a season Chelsea hope Lacroix can help define from the back. His flexibility in formation and his early integration with teammates will be tested immediately on Monday night.