Xabi Alonso has made it clear that Chelsea needed a strategic "update" rather than a wholesale reset when he took over the reins this summer. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had just finished tenth in the Premier League and had endured a chaotic season that saw the departures of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. That campaign also meant the Blues missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that added urgency to Alonso's task. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the new manager 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, their current form, and the specific improvements that could be made. "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," Alonso said. He added that these considerations formed the backbone of his decision‑making process before arriving at Stamford Bridge. Once the club agreed on a single direction, the next step was to implement the necessary choices, some already taken and others still pending.
"Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he affirmed. Alonso stressed that the real work begins now, during the competitive phase of the season.
"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 explained. To date, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star has overseen six matches across all competitions, recording two league wins, one draw, one defeat, and a perfect two‑win record in the Carabao Cup. 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 continued. He acknowledged that the timeline for progress can vary: "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 also highlighted that his immediate concern is his own squad, not 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 said.
He underscored the need for rapid learning in a league as competitive as the Premier League, insisting that the Chelsea side he inherited will evolve dramatically over the course 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 concluded.
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," he replied, adding that time is an essential ingredient in football development and that "time will tell." Regarding team selection for the upcoming Brentford match, he hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from Brazil's squad due to injury. The club confirmed Pedro's withdrawal on Wednesday, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the crucial derby. Alonso said the final training session on Friday would provide clarity: "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 brief "No." He acknowledged that Pedro might play for Chelsea on Friday but then miss Brazil duties, describing it as "a possibility." Regarding Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil, Alonso noted that the player has already moved beyond the World Cup disappointment and is focused on delivering a strong season for Chelsea. "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: evaluate the existing assets, make calculated adjustments, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. While the results have been mixed so far, the manager's emphasis on incremental progress, squad cohesion, and tactical clarity suggests that the Blues are on a path toward regaining their competitive edge in the Premier League and, eventually, returning to European competition.