Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about a strategic refresh than a wholesale reset. When he signed a four‑year contract in May, the 44‑year‑old former midfielder took over a side that had finished a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League, following a chaotic season that saw the departures of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. The club missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, underscoring the urgency for a new direction. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso emphasized that what Chelsea needed was "an update" rather than a total rebuild.
"Not a reset – it was an update, I would say. To change or to take decisions in another direction," he explained. His focus, he said, was on assessing the current squad: the players' ages, the stages of their careers, and the specific moments when each individual could contribute most effectively. "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," Alonso said.
He added that these considerations formed the backbone of his decision‑making process before stepping into the role. Alonso noted that once the club agreed on a single strategic direction, the next step was to make the necessary choices to move forward. "Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he said.
He stressed that the focus now shifts from planning to competition: "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." Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two league wins, one draw, one loss, and a perfect record of two victories in the Carabao Cup. The next test comes in 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." 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 said. He acknowledged that the process of building that identity will vary in speed: "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 part of his tenure, he explained, is about focusing on his own players rather than obsessing over opponents.
"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," he said. When pressed about external criticism, Alonso deflected, saying it was not his place to answer such questions. "I prefer not to ask things from people.
I prefer to do things," he remarked, adding that time will ultimately reveal the success of his methods. "And knowing that, I am aware everything takes time in football, but time will tell." A specific personnel issue that has attracted attention is the fitness of João Pedro, who was left out of Brazil's squad due to injury.
Despite the setback, Alonso hinted that the striker could still be available for the Brentford match. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," he said, noting that no one was ruled out and that the final decision would be made after the training session.
When asked directly about Pedro's injury, Alonso simply replied, "No," and later described the possibility of Pedro playing against Brentford but then missing Brazil as "a possibility." Addressing Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil—especially after not being selected for the World Cup—Alonso offered reassurance: "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 Chelsea fans and players alike is one of measured optimism. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, but believes that with a clear strategic update, disciplined work ethic, and a willingness to adapt, the Blues can transform their fortunes and re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in English football.