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 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 was the existing squad, assessing each player’s career stage, identifying the moments when they could contribute most effectively, and pinpointing areas for improvement. "Those were, for me, the important decisions, the important things to analyse before coming here," he said.
"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 entering a period of competition rather than contemplation. "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 added.
Since taking charge, he 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 for the Blues is a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium for a West London derby against Brent Ford on Friday night, a match 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. 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 described the ongoing process as one where timelines can vary: "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 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 highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, noting that the team must learn quickly: "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 that only time would tell, adding, "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 Brentford fixture, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to injury.
Pedro’s withdrawal raised concerns about his fitness as Chelsea aim to regain winning form. Alonso said, "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 answer: "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro might play for Chelsea on Friday and then miss Brazil duties, stating, "It is a possibility." Regarding Pedro’s disappointment at missing Brazil – especially after not being selected for the World Cup – Alonso noted that the player has moved past the summer and World Cup setbacks, showing determination to have a strong 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." Overall, Alonso’s message to fans and players alike is one of measured optimism and steady progress.
He believes that by updating tactics, making thoughtful personnel choices, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Chelsea can evolve from a side that missed out on Europe to one that consistently challenges for honors. The upcoming derby against Brentford will serve as an early test of his ideas, and while the journey may be gradual, the former Spanish international is confident that the club’s identity and performance will improve week by week, match by match.