Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about a strategic refresh than a total rebuild. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, now in his mid‑forties, signed a four‑year deal in May and stepped into a club that had just finished a disappointing tenth place in the Premier League. The previous season had seen the Blues part ways with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior amid a chaotic campaign, and for the third time in four years the team missed out on European competition. In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports, Alonso emphasized that what Chelsea required was "an update" rather than a full reset.
He explained that his primary focus was assessing the existing squad – looking at each player’s career stage, their recent form, and the areas where the team could improve. "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 noted, guided the decisions he made upon arrival. Some of those moves have already been implemented, while others remain on the agenda, but he expressed confidence in the direction the club is heading.
Alonso stressed that the next phase is about competition, not further tinkering. "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 the helm, he 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 upcoming fixture sees Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford in a West London derby 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 only lead to frustration. Instead, he aims for consistency, solidity and a clear identity. "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 the process will have its ups and downs, with some steps moving faster than others.
"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 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 affirmed. The Premier League's intensity demands rapid learning, and Alonso believes the Chelsea side 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 said. When pressed about external criticism, Alonso deflected, stating that he does not answer to pundits but lets his work speak for itself.
He reminded everyone that football is a long‑term project and only time will reveal the results of his strategies. One player who has attracted particular attention is João Pedro.
Despite withdrawing from the Brazil squad due to injury, the forward remains a key option for the Brentford match. Alonso confirmed that the squad would have its final training session on Friday and that no player was ruled out. "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," he said. When asked directly about Pedro's fitness, Alonso gave a succinct "No" and added that the possibility of the striker playing against Brentford while missing Brazil is still on the table. He also noted that Pedro has moved beyond the disappointment of missing the World Cup and is determined to make an impact this 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 affirmed.
Overall, Alonso's message to Chelsea fans is one of patience and optimism. He believes the club is on a clear path toward improvement, with each training session, each match, and each tactical tweak bringing the team closer to the standards they aspire to. The upcoming Brentford derby will be an early test of his ideas, but the manager remains confident that the squad's collective belief and work ethic will drive them forward throughout the demanding Premier League campaign.