Xabi Alonso has made it clear that the changes required at Chelsea this summer were more about an "upgrade" than a total reset of the club's direction. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a role that had become unsettled after the Blues finished a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League and saw the departures of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior during a chaotic campaign at Stamford Bridge. That season also marked the third time in four years that Chelsea missed out on European competition, a situation that heightened the urgency for a fresh approach. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Alonso emphasized that his mandate was not to start from scratch but to make a strategic "update" to the existing framework.
"Not a reset – it was an update, I would say. To change or to take decisions in another direction," he explained. He highlighted that his primary focus before taking the job was assessing the squad: the players' current stages in their careers, the moments when they could be most effective, and the areas where the team could improve.
"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. Those considerations formed the basis of the decisions he and his staff have begun to implement.
Alonso noted that some decisions have already been made, while others remain pending, but he expressed confidence in the overall direction. "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," he said. He stressed that the club is now entering a competitive phase where the focus 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," Alonso added. Since taking charge, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two wins, one draw and one league defeat, along with a perfect record of two victories in the Carabao Cup. The next challenge for his side is a short journey 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.
In preparation for that game, Alonso reflected on his expectations for the squad. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he admitted. "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 that 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." Alonso also made it clear that his immediate concern is his own players, not the performances of rival clubs. "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.
The Premier League's relentless competition means that Chelsea must adapt quickly. Alonso believes the team will evolve noticeably from the first to the last match of the season. "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 asserted.
When asked about external expectations, Alonso declined to speculate, preferring to let the team's performances speak for themselves. "It's not for me to answer. I prefer not to ask things from people. I prefer to do things," he responded.
He acknowledged that football development takes time, adding that only time will reveal the true impact of his changes. One player who has attracted particular attention is João Pedro, who despite withdrawing from the Brazil squad due to injury, could still feature in the upcoming Brentford match. Alonso confirmed that the squad was in its final training session on Friday and that no player was definitively ruled out.
"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," he said. When pressed about Pedro's fitness, Alonso gave a terse "No" and noted that the possibility of him playing for Chelsea while missing Brazil was still on the table.
He also reassured that Pedro's disappointment over missing the World Cup would not linger, emphasizing the player's determination to have a strong season and his future prospects with the national team. Alonso's approach reflects a broader philosophy of incremental improvement rather than radical overhaul. He believes that by fine‑tuning tactics, nurturing player development, and fostering a resilient mindset, Chelsea can reclaim their status among England's elite clubs. The upcoming derby against Brentford will serve as an early test of whether his incremental updates are translating into on‑field cohesion and results.
As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the Blues' evolution under Alonso fulfills the promise of a refreshed, competitive side capable of challenging for honors once again.