Xabi Alonso has made it clear that Chelsea required a modernising touch 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 slipped to a 10th‑place finish in the Premier League after a turbulent campaign that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
That underperformance meant the club missed out on European competition for the third time in four seasons, a situation that demanded careful assessment and strategic tweaking. 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 stressed that his primary focus was the existing squad – evaluating the players' career stages, identifying where they could be most effective, and pinpointing 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. These considerations formed the backbone of his pre‑appointment analysis, guiding the decisions he has already taken and those that will come later. Alonso underscored that once the club agreed on a new direction, the next step was to act on it.
"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 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." Since taking the helm, Alonso has overseen six matches across all competitions, achieving two league wins, one draw, one defeat, and a perfect record of two wins in the Carabao Cup.
The next test comes in a West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Chelsea will face 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 also emphasized that his immediate concern is his own squad, not the opposition: "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 acknowledges the relentless pace 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." When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, he deflected: "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." Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from Brazil's squad due to injury. The Brazilian forward's fitness has been a point of concern, especially after his withdrawal was announced on Wednesday night. 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 "No." He later acknowledged the possibility of Pedro playing for Chelsea while missing the Brazil call‑up: "It is a possibility." On the player's disappointment at missing Brazil, Alonso responded, "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's approach reflects a broader trend in modern football management: rather than discarding a squad and starting from scratch, successful coaches often opt for incremental upgrades, fine‑tuning tactics, and nurturing existing talent.
This method can preserve club culture while still delivering the evolution required to compete at the highest level. For Chelsea, the challenge will be to translate these philosophical updates into consistent performances on the pitch, turning the club's recent inconsistencies into a foundation for future success. As the season progresses, the Blues will need to balance short‑term results with long‑term development, ensuring that each match contributes to the overarching vision Alonso has set out.
The upcoming Brentford derby will serve as an early barometer of how well his ideas are taking root, and whether the team can demonstrate the confidence and cohesion he envisions. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Chelsea's 'update' can indeed become a catalyst for a resurgence in English football's most competitive arena.