Spanish coach Xabi Alonso urged his new team Chelsea to have a "hunger" for victories, in his first press conference as coach of the 10th-place Premier League finisher last season on Monday.

Alonso (44) shared his views on the ongoing World Cup and recalled memories of his participation in Spain's 2010 title victory.

The former Real Madrid coach avoided talking about specific goals for Chelsea in his first season at the helm in West London, but he confirmed that qualifying for European competitions is a target.

He said: "Certainly this is a target. But to achieve it, you need to do many things right and be part of this process: how do we want to play? How do we want to see ourselves? How do we want to approach matches wherever we go?"

He added: "This is my job. That's why I'm really looking forward to having the full squad at my disposal. At the moment we have some offers, but they are still in their early stages."

He continued: "But certainly we want to be there, and time will tell. We are ambitious, and at Chelsea we need to share that energy, that ambition, and also that hunger for success."

Alonso also insisted that Chelsea is keen to keep Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Earlier this month, Real Madrid denied interest in signing Fernández, who will face England with his national team in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Alonso said: "Yes, we talked. But as you can understand, what we talked about remains private. But yes, we talked."

When asked if he wanted Fernández to remain at Stamford Bridge, he replied "Yes."

Fernández is one of four Chelsea players still participating in the World Cup, along with English duo Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah and Frenchman Malo Gusto.

Alonso signed a four-year contract, but he avoided answering when asked if the Chelsea management would give him time to compete for the title.

He added: "What I am sure of is that we have the ambition to win many matches and be competitive. We need to make important decisions, build strong principles, and a solid mentality and culture within the club. Time will tell."

He concluded: "I won't predict what will happen in May... but I am confident and optimistic that we can have a fantastic season."