Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about a strategic refresh than a wholesale reset. The former Spanish international, now 44, signed a four‑year deal in May to take the reins of a Blues side that had slipped to 10th place in the Premier League and had seen both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart amid a chaotic campaign at Stamford Bridge. That disappointing finish meant the club missed out on European competition for the third time in four seasons, a stark contrast to the ambitions set by the ownership and supporters. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso explained his philosophy: "Not a reset – it was an update, I would say.
To change or to take decisions in another direction." He emphasized that his primary focus was the existing squad – assessing the players’ career stages, identifying the moments when they could make the biggest impact, and pinpointing areas for improvement. "My main concern is the squad, the team, the players that we have, in which stage of their career they are, in which moments we want to bring them, what we have, what we can improve," he said. These considerations formed the backbone of his pre‑appointment analysis, and once the decision was made to move forward together, the next step was to implement a series of targeted choices.
Alonso acknowledged that some of those decisions have already been taken, while others remain on the agenda. "Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he added.
With the groundwork laid, the manager shifted his attention to competition. "Now it's competition time.
It's not about improving, now it's with the team that we have to work hard, improve, knowing that we have to learn from mistakes, from the good things as well, and we are in that moment," he explained, underscoring the importance of learning quickly in a league as demanding as the Premier League. Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, delivering two league victories, one draw and one defeat, alongside a perfect record of two wins in the Carabao Cup. The next challenge is a west London derby against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The encounter offers a chance for the new manager to test his ideas against a well‑organised opponent and to gauge the progress of his side.
When asked about his expectations, Alonso warned against the pursuit of perfection, noting that it would only lead to frustration. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said. Instead, he aims for consistency, solidity and confidence. "What I'm looking for is to reach a good level, good continuity, good solidity; to be a team that knows what they're going to do and have this confidence and this conviction whenever you are facing any opposition." He admitted that the timeline for achieving these goals varies: "We will get there when some processes are quicker or longer, but we are working to have that feeling and when you see that we are going on the pitch we have that belief that we know what we are going to do." Alonso stressed that his immediate concern is his own squad, not the performances of rival teams.
"The early days are just for games and I'm not that focused about the other teams. I'm very focused about my own team and all my players and the development that we will do, the process and the improvement that we have to make," he explained.
He also highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, noting that the club must adapt quickly: "We need to learn quick because the competition is furious in the Premier League and I'm sure that the Chelsea of the first day and the Chelsea of the last day in the Premier League will be different and I'm sure that it will be better. It will be getting better and better with weeks and with games." When pressed about external criticism of his methods, Alonso was measured.
"It's not for me to answer. I prefer not to ask things from people. I prefer to do things," he said, reminding everyone that football is a long‑term project and that time will reveal the outcomes of his decisions.
One of the topics generating buzz ahead of the Brentford game is the potential involvement of João Pedro, who recently withdrew from Brazil's squad due to injury concerns. Alonso confirmed that the striker is still in contention, stating, "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday].
No one is ruled out. I remain cautious and we wait. We will see [on Friday] if he's ready to play.
We will take a decision." When asked directly about Pedro's fitness, Alonso simply replied, "No," indicating that the final call will depend on the medical assessment on the day. Regarding the possibility of Pedro featuring for Chelsea but missing out on Brazil, the manager said, "It is a possibility." He also noted that Pedro has already moved beyond the disappointment of missing the World Cup and is focused on delivering a strong season for the club. "He has moved on from the summer, he has moved on from the World Cup.
He has shown this desire, determination to have a great season so far. The summer is far away now.
He will be [in the Brazil squad] in the future. I'm pretty sure he is going to be," Alonso affirmed.
Overall, Alonso's message is one of measured optimism. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, the need for swift adaptation, and the importance of building a cohesive unit that can deliver consistent performances. As Chelsea prepares for the Brentford derby, the manager's emphasis on incremental updates rather than radical overhauls signals a clear strategic direction: refine what is already there, nurture the talent at hand, and gradually transform the Blues into a side capable of competing at the highest level in England and, eventually, Europe.