New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Chelsea’s new manager Xabi Alonso has outlined his ambitions for the club as he begins work ahead of the new season, insisting the timing of his appointment is right and that the squad possesses the quality to compete at the highest level.
Alonso said he is prepared for the expectations that come with leading Chelsea and wants to use pre-season to establish a clear identity built around intensity, control and attacking football.
The former midfielder said Chelsea’s history and winning culture were among the factors that made the opportunity particularly attractive to him.
“I have always been drawn to clubs with a rich history and a winning tradition, and Chelsea is certainly one of them. For me, this is a great honour and a fantastic opportunity. The timing feels right for both the club and myself and I believe we are at a point where we can build something special together. I am fully aware of the expectations and the challenge ahead, but I am ready for it. I am looking forward to getting started and giving my best for this club,” Alonso told JioStar.
Alonso takes charge of a Chelsea squad he believes already has a strong foundation, although he acknowledged that changes will be required as the club looks to establish a new project under his leadership.
“Chelsea have a great history and have enjoyed tremendous success over the last couple of decades. The squad is good and has a lot of potential. Of course, there are areas we need to improve. We are starting a new project and we want to build a team that plays with intensity, controls games, and competes at the highest level. We need to be smart, work hard, and create a team that brings energy to the pitch and plays attractive football. That is the goal, whether we are at home or away,” he added.
The Spaniard also revealed that he had already studied the squad and had formed an understanding of its strengths and shortcomings before discussions with the club progressed.
“When I started talking with the club, I already had a clear idea about the team, the players, and the way they have played not too long ago. I knew the strengths and the areas that needed improvement. We will build on that foundation, update a few things, and make the necessary corrections. But I truly believe this squad has the quality to compete at the highest level and achieve great things. That is where we start,” Alonso stated.
With the new season still to come, Alonso sees the pre-season period as an important opportunity to translate his ideas into a collective approach. Beyond tactical preparation, he wants the squad to develop an understanding of the demands and standards expected under his management.
“It’s good that we have enough time in pre-season to prepare properly before the new season starts. This period is crucial for building relationships on and off the pitch. We will use it to get to know each other and start creating the belief in how we want to play and compete. We need to establish our identity and make sure everyone is on the same page, but we need to ensure that the foundation we need to build starts coming together immediately,” he mentioned.
— IANS
vi/