Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about an "update" than a full-scale reset. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a club that had just finished a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League.
The Blues had also endured a chaotic season that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, and for the third time in four years they missed out on European competition. 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 each player's career stage, strengths, and areas for improvement. "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.
He added that these considerations formed the backbone of his strategic planning before arriving at Stamford Bridge. Once the direction was agreed upon, the next step was to make the necessary decisions, some of which had already been taken and others still pending. "Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," Alonso noted.
He stressed that the club had now entered a competitive phase where the emphasis shifts from planning to execution. "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 explained. Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, recording two league wins, one draw, one defeat, and a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories.
The next challenge 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 seeking perfection, describing it as a recipe for constant frustration. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said.
Instead, his aim is to build a team that displays consistency, solidity, and confidence, regardless of the opponent. "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 asserted. He acknowledged that progress can be uneven, with some processes moving quickly and others taking longer, but stressed that the club is actively working to instill a belief in the players that they understand their roles on the pitch.
"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 continued. Alonso also made it clear that his immediate concern is his own squad rather than the performances of rival teams. "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. He highlighted the intense competition in the Premier League, noting that the Chelsea side at the start of the season will look very different from the one at the end, and he is confident that the evolution will be positive. "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," Alonso affirmed.
When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, he was evasive, preferring to let the work speak for itself. "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 remarked. Regarding team selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro might be available despite his recent withdrawal from the Brazil squad due to injury.
Pedro's fitness has been a topic of discussion, especially after his decision to pull out of the national team raised concerns. Alonso said the final training session would determine Pedro's readiness: "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 offered a terse "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro could feature for Chelsea on Friday but still miss out on future Brazil call‑ups, stating, "It is a possibility." On the subject of Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil, Alonso noted that the player has already moved beyond the summer and World Cup disappointment, focusing on his club season. "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 concluded.
Overall, Alonso's message to fans and players alike is one of patience, incremental improvement, and belief in the process. He recognises that rebuilding a club like Chelsea is not an overnight task, but with clear direction, strategic decisions, and a commitment to learning from both successes and setbacks, the Blues aim to climb back into the upper echelons of English football.