Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about an upgrade than a total reset. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had just finished a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League and had seen the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior amid a chaotic season at Stamford Bridge. That poor finish meant the Blues missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that underscored the urgency for a fresh direction.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso explained his philosophy: “It wasn’t 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 where each player was in his career, what role they could play in the new system, and identifying areas where the team could improve. “Those were, for me, the important decisions, the important things to analyse before coming here. Once we agreed we wanted to take one direction, it was about taking decisions.
Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them,” he said. Alonso stressed that the club now moves into a phase of competition rather than reconstruction. “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.” Since taking charge, he has overseen six matches across all competitions, recording two league wins, one draw, one defeat, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories.
The next challenge for the Blues is a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium for a West London derby against Brent Ford on Friday night, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. When asked about his expectations, Alonso admitted that perfection is an unattainable goal. “If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always,” he remarked.
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 acknowledged that the process of building that identity will vary in speed: “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.” The early part of his tenure, he says, is about focusing on his own squad rather than obsessing over rivals.
“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.” Alonso also highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, insisting that the team must learn 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 when supporters could expect tangible results, he was cautious: “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.” One of the players who could illustrate Alonso’s incremental approach is João Pedro. The Brazilian forward has been linked to the Brentford match despite withdrawing from the Brazil squad due to injury.
On Wednesday night it was confirmed that Pedro had pulled out of the national team, raising questions about his fitness as Chelsea strive to return to winning ways. Alonso said, “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 injury status, Alonso simply replied, “No.” Regarding the possibility of Pedro featuring for Chelsea on Friday but then missing out on Brazil duty, the manager answered, “It is a possibility.” He added that Pedro’s disappointment at missing the Brazil squad would likely be tempered by his focus on the club season: “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’s broader vision for Chelsea is one of gradual evolution rather than radical overhaul.
He believes that by fine‑tuning tactics, reinforcing key positions, and nurturing the existing talent, the club can climb back into the European spots and eventually challenge for titles. The emphasis on an "update" reflects a belief that the foundation is there; it simply needs modernising, a clearer tactical identity, and a renewed mental edge. As the season progresses, fans will watch to see how these incremental changes translate into results on the pitch, especially in high‑stakes matches like the upcoming Brentford derby.