Xabi Alonso says Chelsea required an update rather than a complete overhaul when he took charge this summer. The 44 year old signed a four year contract in May, inheriting a Chelsea side that finished 10th in the Premier League after a turbulent campaign that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior part ways with the club, resulting in Chelsea missing out on European football for the third time in four seasons.
Why “Update” Rather Than “Reset”
Alonso explained his thinking directly, describing the summer’s work as an update rather than a reset, focused on changing direction and adjusting decisions rather than tearing everything down. He said his primary focus coming in was understanding the squad itself, assessing where each player sat in their career, what the group already had to offer, and where genuine improvement was needed. Those were the key considerations he analysed before ever arriving at the club, and once a clear direction was agreed, the work simply became about following through on those decisions, some already taken, others still to come, all of which he remains confident in.
Alonso stressed that the focus has now shifted from planning to execution, with the current phase being about working hard, competing, and learning from both the good and bad moments along the way. He has taken charge of six matches across all competitions so far, recording two wins, a draw and a defeat in the league, alongside two wins from two in the League Cup.
Not Chasing Perfection
Ahead of Friday night’s west London derby away at Brentford, Alonso was candid about his expectations, saying that chasing perfection would only lead to constant frustration. Instead, he said his aim is consistency, solidity and a team that knows exactly what it wants to do and carries genuine belief into every match, regardless of opponent.
He acknowledged the process will naturally move at different speeds depending on the situation, but said the underlying goal remains building that collective confidence and clarity of identity. Alonso said his focus in these early weeks has been almost entirely on his own squad and their development rather than on upcoming opposition, adding that the pace of improvement needs to be quick given how fiercely competitive the Premier League is. He expressed confidence that the version of Chelsea seen on the final day of the season will look different, and better, than the one seen now, improving gradually with every passing match.
Asked when it would be fair for people to judge his team, Alonso declined to set a timeline himself, saying he prefers to let his work speak for itself rather than dictate expectations to others, while acknowledging that everything in football takes time and that results will ultimately tell their own story.
Joao Pedro Withdrawal Raises Fitness Questions
Alonso confirmed Joao Pedro remains a possibility to feature against Brentford, despite the forward withdrawing from Brazil’s squad through injury, a decision confirmed on Wednesday night that has raised some concern over his current fitness. Alonso said Chelsea’s final training session before the match would help determine his availability, stressing that no one has been definitively ruled out and that a decision would be made closer to kick off.
Asked directly about the nature of Pedro’s injury issue, Alonso declined to elaborate further. When asked whether Pedro could feasibly play against Brentford but still miss out on Brazil duty, Alonso confirmed that scenario remains a genuine possibility.
On whether Pedro might be disappointed to miss out on international selection again, having also been left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, Alonso said the forward has fully moved past the disappointment of the summer, pointing to the desire and determination Pedro has shown throughout this season as evidence he’s focused firmly on the present. Alonso expressed confidence that a Brazil recall will come for Pedro in time.
Quick Facts: Alonso at Chelsea
- Contract signed: Four years, May 2026
- Chelsea’s league finish before Alonso arrived: 10th
- Alonso’s record so far: 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat (league); 2 wins from 2 (League Cup)
- Next fixture: Brentford (away), Friday 18 September, 8pm kick-off
- Joao Pedro’s status: Withdrew from Brazil squad through injury, possible for Brentford
