Xabi Alonso has clarified that Chelsea required an "upgrade" rather than a full‑scale reset when he stepped into the managerial role this summer. The 44‑year‑old signed a four‑year contract in May, inheriting a Blues side that had slipped to 10th place in the Premier League after a chaotic season that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. That finish meant the club missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that heightened the urgency for change. 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, identifying where they could improve, and determining the tactical adjustments needed to get the best out of them. "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, he added, formed the backbone of his early decisions at Chelsea. Alonso noted that once the club agreed on a new direction, the next step was to implement the necessary changes.
"Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he explained. He stressed that the real test now lies in competition, not just in planning. "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 said.
Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions. In the league, Chelsea have recorded two victories, one draw and one defeat, while in the Carabao Cup they have won both of their fixtures.
The next challenge arrives with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium for a West London derby against Brentford on Friday night, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. When asked about his expectations, Alonso warned against chasing perfection, noting that it would lead to constant 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 is a process with varying speeds. "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 said. Alonso stressed that his attention remains 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 added. The Premier League's intensity demands rapid learning, and Alonso believes the club will evolve noticeably over 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 asserted.
When pressed about external expectations, Alonso was evasive. "It's not for me to answer. I prefer not to ask things from people.
I prefer to do things," he said, reminding listeners that football development takes time and that only results will ultimately speak. Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from the Brazil national team due to injury. The Brazilian forward pulled out of the squad on Wednesday, raising questions about his fitness as Chelsea aim to regain winning form.
"In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," Alonso confirmed. "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." He added that the possibility of Pedro playing for Chelsea and then missing Brazil was open: "It is a possibility." Regarding the player's disappointment at missing the Brazil squad, especially after not being selected for the World Cup, Alonso responded that Pedro had already moved beyond those setbacks. "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. Alonso's early tenure at Chelsea reflects a pragmatic approach: assess the existing resources, make targeted adjustments, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. While the club's recent league finish and lack of European football highlight the challenges ahead, his emphasis on incremental upgrades rather than a wholesale overhaul suggests a measured, long‑term vision.
As the Blues head into the Brentford derby and the rest of a demanding Premier League schedule, fans will be watching closely to see whether these updates translate into the consistency and resilience that Alonso envisions for the team.