Xabi Alonso says instilling a relentless desire to improve will be the foundation of Chelsea’s rebuild ahead of his first Premier League campaign in charge.
After Chelsea finished 10th, missed out on European qualification and ended last season without silverware, Alonso believes restoring the club’s competitive edge starts with changing its mentality.
“We need hunger, passion, we need to want to improve,” the Spaniard told reporters on Monday.
“The Premier League is so competitive. We need to prepare ourselves, we need to be determined in the details, in how we want to play. But the most important bit is our game.”
Appointed in May, Alonso said his priority is to establish a clear identity and unite the squad.
“To be part of that process, how we want to play, how we want to approach a game, that’s my goal,” Alonso said.
European qualification remains the target despite Chelsea’s absence from continental competition this season.
“For sure that’s a goal,” he said. “But to reach that goal you have to do many things right. We are ambitious and at Chelsea you need to share that energy and hunger to succeed.”
Alonso added that not playing in Europe would have only a limited impact on preparations.
“We are working with the sporting directors,” he said. “What we need to reinforce is clear, but we are working on it.”
The Chelsea boss also confirmed he wants midfielder Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge despite speculation over the Argentina international’s future in which he is being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Asked whether he had spoken to Fernandez, Alonso said: “Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private.”
When asked if he wanted the midfielder to stay, Alonso replied: “Yes.”
Alonso also revealed winger Alejandro Garnacho is attracting interest from other clubs as Chelsea continue reshaping the squad.
“There is interest in him from other clubs, so let’s see how this develops. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,” he said.
Chelsea have already sold Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, while striker Nicolas Jackson is expected to join the club’s pre-season tour after Bayern Munich opted against making his loan move permanent.
Chelsea open their Premier League campaign away to Fulham on August 24, with Alonso hoping to build the hungry, competitive side he believes can return the club to Europe.
