Xabi Alonso has been clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about an "update" than a wholesale 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.
The Blues had also endured a chaotic season that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, and for the third time in four years they missed out on European competition. 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 each player’s career stage, the moments in which they could be most effective, and identifying areas for improvement.
"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 was now entering a competitive phase. "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. Since taking charge, the manager has overseen six matches across all competitions, recording two league wins, one draw, one loss, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories.
The next challenge for Chelsea 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. Alonso reflected on his expectations, noting that perfection is an unattainable goal. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said. Instead, he seeks 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 progress can be uneven. "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," Alonso explained. The early part of his tenure is focused on the matches ahead rather than the opposition.
"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 added. Alonso also warned that the Premier League’s intensity demands rapid learning.
"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," he said, underscoring his belief that the squad will evolve positively over the season. When pressed about external expectations, Alonso deflected. "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 remarked, emphasizing patience and action over speculation. In terms of squad selection, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature against Brentford, despite the Brazilian forward’s recent injury withdrawal from the national team.
Pedro’s exit from the Brazil squad raised concerns about his fitness, but Alonso remained cautious. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," he said. "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 gave a terse "No." However, he left the door open for the striker to play for Chelsea while potentially missing Brazil duty, calling it "a possibility." He also noted Pedro’s mindset after missing the World Cup. "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 to fans and players alike is one of measured optimism. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, the need for continuous learning, and the importance of building a cohesive unit that trusts its own game plan. By treating the situation as an update—fine‑tuning tactics, squad roles, and mentality—rather than a complete overhaul, he hopes to steer Chelsea back toward the top echelons of English football. The upcoming Brentford clash will be an early test of his ideas, and the manager is confident that, with time and hard work, the Blues will rediscover the winning form that their supporters expect.