Xabi Alonso says Chelsea were in need of “an update” rather than a full reset when he was appointed manager this summer.
The 44-year-old signed a four-year contract in May and took over a Blues side that finished 10th in the Premier League, after parting ways with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior during a tumultuous campaign at Stamford Bridge.
That meant missing out on European football for the third time in four seasons.
“Not a reset – it was an update, I would say. To change or to take decisions in another direction,” he said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.
“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.
“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.
“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 has taken charge of six games in all competitions so far; two wins, one draw and a defeat in the league and two wins from two in the Carabao Cup.
Friday 18th September 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Next up, his Chelsea side make the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford in a west London derby on Friday night, which is live on Sky Sports.
“If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always,” he said.
“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.
“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.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso discusses the ownership changes at the club after Todd Boehly sold his minority stakes to Clearlake Capital and stepped down as chairman.
“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.”
Asked when people should just his team, he added: “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.”
Alonso: Joao Pedro could feature for Chelsea vs Brentford
Alonso has said Joao Pedro could feature against Brentford on Friday Night Football – despite pulling out of the Brazil squad with injury.
it was announced on Wednesday night that Pedro has withdrawn from the Brazil squad – raising concerns about his fitness levels as Chelsea look to get back to winning ways.
“In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session [on Friday],” Alonso said.
Thierry Henry analyses Joao Pedro role in the Chelsea team this season and explains how he is vital to their system and success.
“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.”
Asked what he can say about Pedro’s injury issues, Alonso simply replied: “No.”
Asked if he could play against Brentford on Friday, but then not play for Brazil, Alonso said: “It is a possibility.”
Then asked if Pedro is disappointed to be missing out of Brazil, especially given he was not selected for the World Cup, Alonso replied: “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.”
