Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes he is implementing at Chelsea are more about an upgrade than a total reset. When he accepted the managerial role this summer, the 44‑year‑old 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 departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior amid a chaotic campaign at Stamford Bridge, and for the third time in four years the Blues missed out on European competition. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso explained his philosophy: "It’s not a reset – it’s 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 the players' career stages, identifying where they could improve, and deciding what adjustments were necessary. "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, according to Alonso, formed the backbone of his early decisions.
Some changes have already been made, while others are still pending, but he expressed confidence in the direction the club is heading. Alonso stressed that the club is now entering a competitive phase. "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 noted.
Since taking charge, he has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two league wins, one draw, one loss, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories. The next challenge for Chelsea is a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium for a West London derby against Brentford on Friday night, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. When asked about his expectations, Alonso admitted that seeking perfection would only lead to frustration.
"If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said. Instead, his aim is to build a team that demonstrates continuity, solidity, and confidence regardless of the opposition.
He wants his players to know their roles and to approach each match with conviction. Alonso also highlighted the importance of process over immediate results.
"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. He downplayed the significance of other teams' performances, focusing solely on his own squad's development.
"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 Chelsea will evolve noticeably 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 asserted.
When questioned about external pressure and expectations, Alonso was measured. "It's not for me to answer. I prefer not to ask things from people.
I prefer to do things," he said, acknowledging that time is an essential factor in football and that results will ultimately speak for themselves. A notable storyline heading into the Brentford game involves João Pedro, who has been sidelined from the Brazil squad due to injury. Despite the setback, Alonso hinted that Pedro could still feature for Chelsea on Friday.
"In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," he confirmed, adding that no player was ruled out and that the final decision would be made after the training session. When pressed about Pedro's fitness, Alonso responded simply, "No," and noted that it remains a possibility for Pedro to play against Brentford, even if it means missing a future Brazil call‑up. Alonso also addressed Pedro's disappointment at missing the Brazil squad, especially after not being selected for the World Cup.
He reassured that the young striker has moved beyond the summer and the World Cup disappointment, focusing on his determination to have a strong season with 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 said. Overall, Alonso's message to Chelsea fans is one of patience and optimism.
He acknowledges that rebuilding a club of Chelsea's stature is not an overnight task, but he is committed to steering the team toward a more competitive and cohesive future. By focusing on incremental upgrades, fostering a clear tactical identity, and nurturing player development, he hopes to restore the Blues to a position where they can consistently challenge for honors both domestically and in Europe.
The upcoming Brentford derby will be an early test of his ideas, and while the outcome remains uncertain, the manager's emphasis on process, resilience, and gradual improvement sets a clear roadmap for the season ahead.