Xabi Alonso insists that Chelsea required merely an "upgrade" rather than a wholesale reset when he assumed the managerial role this summer. The 44‑year‑old former midfielder signed a four‑year deal in May, stepping into a Blues side that had finished 10th in the Premier League after a chaotic campaign that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. The instability meant Chelsea missed out on European competition for the third time in four seasons. 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 emphasized that his primary focus was the existing squad, assessing each player's career stage, the moments they could be brought into, and identifying areas for improvement. "Those were, for me, the important decisions, the important things to analyse before coming here. 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 explained. Alonso added that the next phase is about competition, not merely tweaking tactics.
"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 said. Since taking charge, he has overseen six matches across all competitions, recording two league wins, one draw and one defeat, alongside two victories in the Carabao Cup.
The upcoming fixture pits Chelsea against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in a West London derby on Friday night, 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 rebuilding process as gradual: "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.
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 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 asserted.
When pressed about when supporters could expect tangible results, he deflected, saying, "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 Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to injury.
Pedro's withdrawal raised questions about his fitness as Chelsea aim to return to winning ways. "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday]," Alonso 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 responded simply, "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro might play for Chelsea on Friday and then miss Brazil duties, calling it "a possibility." Addressing whether Pedro was disappointed to miss Brazil, especially after not making the World Cup squad, Alonso noted, "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 overarching message is clear: Chelsea are undergoing a strategic upgrade, focusing on continuity, squad cohesion, and incremental improvement rather than a radical overhaul. The manager's emphasis on learning from both successes and setbacks, combined with a realistic view of the time needed to embed his ideas, sets a measured tone for the season ahead.
As the Blues prepare for the Brentford derby, fans can expect a side that is still finding its identity but is committed to evolving week by week, with the ultimate goal of re‑establishing themselves as a competitive force in England's top flight.