Xabi Alonso has clarified that the changes he is implementing at Chelsea amount to an "update" rather than a wholesale reset since taking the helm this summer. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had finished 10th in the Premier League and had seen both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart amid a chaotic season at Stamford Bridge. That disappointing finish meant Chelsea missed out on European competition 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 has been the existing squad, evaluating each player’s career stage, the roles they could fulfil, and the areas where the team could improve. "My main concern is the squad, the team, the players that we have, at what stage of their careers they are, what moments we want to bring them into, what we have, and 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 is now in 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 said.
Since his appointment, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two league wins, one draw and one defeat, alongside a perfect record of two victories in the Carabao Cup. The next challenge is a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium for a West London derby against Brentford on Friday night, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
When asked about his standards, 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.
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 added that his immediate concern is not the opposition but the development of his own players: "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 schedule, noting that rapid learning is essential: "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." When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, he replied cautiously: "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." Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford fixture, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to injury. The Brazilian forward's withdrawal raised questions about his fitness as Chelsea aim to return to winning ways.
"In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," Alonso 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 terse 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 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." Overall, Alonso's message to the Chelsea faithful is clear: the club is undergoing a strategic refresh, not a radical overhaul. By assessing the current roster, making targeted decisions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he aims to restore Chelsea's competitive edge. The upcoming Brentford derby will serve as an early test of his updated approach, and while the results may not be flawless, the long‑term goal is to build a resilient, confident side that can consistently challenge at the highest level.