Xabi Alonso has made it clear that Chelsea needed an "upgrade" rather than a full reset when he stepped into the manager's role this summer. The 44‑year‑old signed a four‑year deal in May, inheriting a Blues side that had slumped to 10th place in the Premier League after a chaotic season that saw the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. That finish meant the club missed out on European competition for the third time in four years, a situation that heightened the urgency for change. 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 – 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 emphasized that the club was now entering a period of competition, not merely a phase of theoretical improvement. "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, one defeat, and a perfect record of two victories in the Carabao Cup. Looking ahead, Chelsea travel 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.
Alonso reflected on his expectations, noting that perfection is an unattainable goal. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said. Instead, he aims for a high level of consistency and solidity: "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 acknowledged that the process of building that confidence 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," he explained. Alonso also clarified his focus on his own squad rather than on rival teams.
"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 warned that the Premier League's intensity demands rapid learning. "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 said. When asked about when supporters could expect tangible results, Alonso was cautious.
"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 responded.
Regarding squad selection for the upcoming Brentford match, Alonso hinted that João Pedro could feature despite having withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to injury. The Brazilian forward's withdrawal raised concerns about his fitness, but Alonso remained optimistic. "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 pressed for details about Pedro's injury, Alonso simply replied, "No." He acknowledged the possibility that Pedro might play for Chelsea on Friday but miss Brazil later, stating, "It is a possibility." Addressing whether Pedro was disappointed to miss out on Brazil after not being selected for the World Cup, Alonso noted the player's forward‑looking attitude: "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 comments illustrate a clear strategic vision: rather than dismantling the existing structure, he seeks to refine and modernise it, aligning player development with tactical evolution. By focusing on incremental upgrades, careful squad management, and fostering a resilient mindset, he hopes to steer Chelsea back into European contention and restore the club's status among England's elite.
The upcoming derby against Brentford will serve as an early test of his methods and the squad's adaptability, offering fans a glimpse of the direction in which the Blues are headed under their new manager.