Xabi Alonso insists that Chelsea required a simple "update" rather than a wholesale reset when he stepped into the managerial role this summer. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard signed a four‑year deal in May, inheriting a Blues side that had slumped to a tenth‑place finish in the Premier League after a chaotic season that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. That campaign also meant the club missed out on European competition for the third time in four years. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso clarified his philosophy: "Not a reset – it was an update, I would say.
To change or to take decisions in another direction." He explained that his primary focus was the existing squad, assessing each player's career stage and determining how best to utilise their abilities. "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. Those considerations formed the foundation of his strategic plan before he even arrived at Stamford Bridge. Alonso emphasized that once the club agreed on a new direction, the next step was to make the necessary decisions, some of which had already been taken while others would come later.
"Some of them we took, others will have to be taken, but we are convinced with all of them," he noted. He added that the focus now shifts 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 and one defeat, alongside a perfect record in the Carabao Cup with two victories. The next challenge for his side is a 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 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. 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 stressed that his attention is squarely on his own players and the development they will undergo throughout the season.
"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.
Alonso also highlighted the intensity of the Premier League, 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 affirmed.
When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, he declined to give a precise timeline, preferring action over speculation. "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 explained.
Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite his recent withdrawal from the Brazil national team due to injury. Pedro's absence from the Brazilian squad raised questions about his fitness, but Alonso remained cautious. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," he 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 offered a terse "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro could play for Chelsea on Friday and then miss Brazil duty, describing it as "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 on from the summer and the tournament, 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.
Alonso's early tenure reflects a measured approach: evaluating the existing roster, making incremental adjustments, and fostering a culture of resilience and learning. By emphasizing an "update" rather than a radical overhaul, he signals his belief that Chelsea's core possesses the quality needed to compete at the highest level, provided they receive the right guidance, tactical tweaks, and a clear, unified direction. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching to see how these subtle refinements translate into results on the pitch, especially in high‑stakes matches like the upcoming Brentford derby.