Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes he wants to implement at Chelsea are more about an "update" than a full‑scale 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 been turbulent, with the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, and the Blues 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 was the existing squad – assessing the players' career stages, identifying where they could improve, and deciding which 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.
These considerations formed the backbone of his strategic plan before he even set foot at Stamford Bridge. Alonso noted that once the club agreed on a single direction, the next step was simply to make the appropriate choices. "Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he added.
With the direction set, the emphasis shifted from planning to execution: competing, learning from both mistakes and successes, and pushing the team forward. "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, achieving two league wins, one draw, and one defeat, along with a perfect record of two victories in the Carabao Cup. The next challenge is a short 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 cautioned against chasing perfection, noting that it would only lead to frustration. "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 confidence varies in speed, but the goal remains consistent: to foster a belief within the squad that they understand their game plan and can execute it.
Alonso also stressed that his attention is firmly fixed on his own players rather than on 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 affirmed. He highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, insisting 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 added. When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, Alonso was evasive, preferring action over speculation. "It's not for me to answer.
I prefer not to ask things from people. I prefer to do things," he replied.
He reminded everyone that football development takes time, and only time will reveal the outcomes of his strategies. A specific player focus in the upcoming Brentford match is João Pedro.
Despite withdrawing from the Brazil squad due to injury, the forward remains a key option for Alonso. The Brazilian withdrew from the national team on Wednesday night, raising questions about his fitness as Chelsea aim to regain winning form. Alonso addressed the situation, saying, "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]. 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 "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro could feature for Chelsea on Friday but still miss out on Brazil duty, describing it as "a possibility." Regarding Pedro's disappointment at missing Brazil, Alonso noted that the player has moved past the summer and the World Cup, focusing instead 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 affirmed. Overall, Alonso's message is one of steady evolution rather than radical overhaul. He wants to fine‑tune the existing squad, instill a clear identity, and build a resilient team capable of competing at the highest level.
The upcoming Brentford derby will be an early test of his updated approach, and while the season is still in its infancy, the Spaniard remains confident that incremental improvements will accumulate, ultimately transforming Chelsea into a more consistent and competitive force in English football.