Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about an "update" than a total reset. The former Spanish international signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had just finished 10th in the Premier League and had seen both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart during a chaotic season at Stamford Bridge.
That disappointing league finish meant the Blues missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, underscoring the need for a fresh direction. 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 was in his career, what the team needed at this stage, and which areas could be improved. "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.
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." Alonso stressed that the club was now entering a period of competition rather than contemplation. "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, recording two league wins, one draw, one loss, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories. The next challenge for the newly‑appointed manager 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: "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always. 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 described the rebuilding process as gradual, acknowledging that some steps will be quicker 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. 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." Alonso also highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, noting that the club must learn quickly to keep pace with the fierce competition. "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 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 replied, underscoring his belief that patience and consistent effort will eventually pay off. Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from Brazil's squad due to injury.
The Brazilian forward's withdrawal raised questions about his fitness, but Alonso remained optimistic. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," he said. "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 succinct answer: "No." He added that the possibility of Pedro playing for Chelsea on Friday and then missing Brazil was open: "It is a possibility." Addressing the player's disappointment at missing the Brazil squad—especially after not being selected for the World Cup—Alonso noted that Pedro has already moved beyond the summer and World Cup 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 affirmed. Overall, Alonso's message to Chelsea fans is one of measured optimism.
He acknowledges the challenges ahead but believes that with the right updates, strategic decisions, and a focus on squad development, the Blues can rebuild a solid, confident side capable of competing at the highest level. The upcoming derby against Brentford will serve as an early test of his ideas, and while the road may be long, the manager is confident that the club is moving in the right direction.