Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso sat down with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher for an extensive interview discussing his arrival at Stamford Bridge, his goals for the team, and their shared history playing together at Liverpool. Alonso explained that timing was the primary factor in his decision to take the managerial position following his spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
Joining Chelsea and Long-Term Aims
Alonso stated that after taking time off following his tenure in Madrid, he wanted to find a good connection and a strong project. “I had no link to Chelsea, but with the potential that was here, a few things could change and I thought we could start the journey together,” Alonso told Sky Sports. He noted that the squad possesses a solid base and that through targeted updates, improvements, and new signings, the club can build a competitive team over time.
When asked if he had concerns regarding Chelsea’s ownership or managerial history, Alonso dismissed those worries, emphasizing that he feels completely aligned with the leadership team. He highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration between himself, the ownership, and the sporting directors, including Sam Jewell, Paul Winstanley, and Joe Shields. While acknowledging that medium to long-term goals include winning the Premier League and returning to the Champions League, Alonso stressed that the focus remains on building the right processes during the early stages of his tenure.
Adapting to English Football
Comparing his current setup in England to his previous experiences in Germany and Spain, Alonso noted structural differences in daily operations. He contrasted his close working relationship with sporting director Simon Rolfs at Leverkusen with his current dynamic involving multiple staff members at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on his arrival at Liverpool as a 21-year-old player from Real Sociedad, Alonso recalled the challenges of earning the respect of established figures like Steven Gerrard, Didi Hamann, and Sami Hyypia. He also highlighted how much the Premier League has evolved over the last two decades, describing the current competition as more sophisticated, physically demanding, and tactically complete across all squads.
Alonso explained his tactical evolution from his playing days as a midfielder focused on control to a manager who adapts to his squad’s needs. He pointed to his time at Leverkusen, where he initially shaped a compact, counter-attacking side to navigate a difficult position before implementing his preferred style.
The full interview will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League at 7.30pm on Sunday October 25.
Source: SkySports | News
