Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes needed at Chelsea this summer were more about an "update" than a total reset. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had just finished a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League. The previous season had seen the departure of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior amid a chaotic campaign at Stamford Bridge, leaving the Blues without European football for the third time in four years. 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 where each player stood in his career, what moments they could be brought into, 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 now moves into a phase of competition rather than mere improvement. "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, one defeat, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories. The next challenge for his side is a West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brent Ford on Friday night, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
When asked about his expectations, Alonso warned against chasing perfection. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he remarked. 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 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," he explained.
His focus remains squarely on his own squad, not on 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. Alonso also highlighted the intensity of the Premier League.
"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, underlining his belief that the team will evolve positively over the season.
When pressed about external opinions on his performance, he 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." This pragmatic stance reflects his broader approach: let results speak for themselves.
In terms of squad selection, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could be available for the Brentford match, despite the Brazilian forward having withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to injury. The withdrawal raised concerns about his fitness as Chelsea aim to regain winning form. Alonso said, "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]. 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 later clarified that playing for Brentford and then missing Brazil was a possibility: "It is a possibility." Regarding Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil, especially after not being selected for the World Cup, Alonso responded, "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's comments reveal a manager who values incremental progress, squad cohesion, and realistic expectations. By framing his task as an "update" rather than a complete overhaul, he signals respect for the club's existing assets while committing to strategic tweaks that will, over time, elevate Chelsea back into the upper echelons of English football.
As the season unfolds, fans will watch to see whether his measured approach translates into the consistency and confidence he envisions for the Blues.