Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about a strategic refresh than a wholesale rebuild. When he accepted the managerial role in May, signing a four‑year deal, the club was emerging from a turbulent season that saw them finish tenth in the Premier League and part ways with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

Those upheavals meant the Blues missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that demanded careful assessment rather than a radical reset. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the 44‑year‑old former midfielder 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, evaluating each player’s career stage, the roles they could fulfill, and the areas where the team could improve.

"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. Those considerations formed the backbone of his pre‑appointment analysis, guiding the decisions that have already been taken and those that will be made in the future. Alonso stressed that once the club agreed on a single direction, the next step was simply to implement the necessary choices. "Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them.

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 added.

The manager’s message is one of pragmatic optimism: the squad must learn quickly, adapt, and develop cohesion under the new tactical framework. Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions. In the league, Chelsea have recorded two victories, one draw and one loss, while in the Carabao Cup they have won both of their fixtures.

The next challenge is a west‑London derby against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This encounter will serve as an early test of the ideas Alonso has introduced and the resilience of his players. When asked about his expectations, the manager warned against chasing perfection. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said.

Instead, he aims for consistency, solidity, and a clear identity. "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. We are in the process. 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," he explained.

Alonso also highlighted that his focus remains squarely on his own squad rather than on 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 said. He underscored the intensity of the Premier League, noting that rapid learning is essential.

"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 when supporters could expect tangible results, Alonso was measured. "It's not for me to answer.

I prefer not to ask things from people. I prefer to do things.

And knowing that, I am aware everything takes time in football, but time will tell," he replied, reinforcing his belief that patience and steady progress will ultimately yield success. A key storyline ahead of the Brentford match is the potential involvement of João Pedro. The Brazilian forward recently withdrew from the Brazil national team due to injury, raising questions about his fitness.

Alonso confirmed that the squad would have a final training session on Friday and that no player was ruled out. "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," the manager said. When asked directly about Pedro's injury status, Alonso offered a succinct "No." He did, however, acknowledge the possibility that Pedro could feature for Chelsea while missing the upcoming Brazil fixtures. "It is a possibility," he said. Regarding Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil, especially after not being selected for the World Cup, Alonso noted the player's resilience.

"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 early tenure at Chelsea reflects a measured approach focused on incremental improvement, squad assessment, and tactical clarity. By treating the situation as an "update" rather than a complete overhaul, he aims to preserve the club's core strengths while introducing the necessary adjustments to compete at the highest level.

As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how his philosophy translates into results on the pitch, particularly in high‑stakes fixtures like the upcoming Brentford derby. The journey promises to be a test of patience, adaptability, and strategic vision for both the manager and the players.