Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes he intends to bring to Chelsea this summer are best described as an "update" rather than a total reset of the club's direction. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into the role after a turbulent season that saw the Blues finish tenth in the Premier League and part ways with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
That disappointing finish also meant Chelsea missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that has added urgency to Alonso's mission. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso emphasized that his priority was not to discard the existing structure but to make strategic adjustments. "Not a reset – it was an update, I would say.
To change or to take decisions in another direction," he explained. He highlighted that his first task was to assess the squad: understanding where each player is in his career, what roles they can fulfill, and where there are gaps that need filling.
"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 assessments, according to Alonso, formed the foundation for the decisions he would later make, some of which have already been implemented while others remain pending. Alonso stressed that the club now moves into a competitive phase where the focus shifts from planning to execution. "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, he has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two league wins, one draw and one defeat, alongside a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories.
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. When asked about his expectations, Alonso warned against chasing perfection, noting that such a mindset 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 explained. He acknowledged that progress can be uneven – some processes will accelerate while others take longer – but the ultimate goal is a team that steps onto the pitch with a clear sense of purpose and belief.
Alonso also underlined that his immediate focus is on his own players rather than on rival clubs. "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 recognised the intensity of the Premier League, describing the competition as "furious" and insisting that Chelsea will evolve dramatically from the first to the last match of the season. "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 affirmed. When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, Alonso 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," he responded, emphasizing patience and steady progress over quick fixes. A key storyline ahead of the Brentford match involves forward João Pedro, who has been sidelined from the Brazil national team due to injury.
Despite his withdrawal, Alonso hinted that Pedro could still feature on Friday Night Football. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," Alonso said, adding that no player is definitively ruled out. He remained cautious, noting that a final decision would be made after the training session.
When asked directly about Pedro's fitness, Alonso replied simply, "No," and later described the situation as a "possibility" that Pedro could play for Chelsea but miss Brazil. Regarding Pedro's disappointment at missing the Brazil squad – especially after not being selected for the World Cup – Alonso offered a measured perspective. "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 said, indicating confidence in the player's long‑term prospects. Overall, Alonso's early tenure at Chelsea reflects a philosophy of incremental improvement rather than radical overhaul. By carefully evaluating the existing roster, making targeted adjustments, and fostering a culture of confidence and consistency, he hopes to steer the club back toward the upper echelons of English football.
The upcoming Brentford derby will serve as an early test of his ideas, and fans will be watching closely to see whether the promised "update" begins to translate into on‑field success.