13 July 202619:38

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The Blues' exceptional talent amazes the new coach: He will be a starter

Xabi Alonso held his first press conference since taking over as head coach at Chelsea, where he discussed various topics related to his role, his views on a number of stars, and the future of Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Alonso had started last season as head coach of Real Madrid before being sacked on 12 January, and days earlier Chelsea had parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca, then appointed under-21 coach Calum McFarlane as caretaker for two matches, followed by Callum Rossiniour for about three months before he was sacked and McFarlane returned to lead the team until the end of the season.

Chelsea said in a statement announcing the new coach: "The Spanish coach will begin his duties on 1 July 2026, after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge."

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Alonso's Goals... Ambition and Hunger

The press conference began with a welcome to the new coach in his first meeting with the media, and the first question focused on how ready he felt to start the task at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso replied positively, adding: "I want to work side by side with the sporting directors and the coaching staff. I see that this group has great potential. We have to make the right decisions. A strong foundation has been laid, and we must continue to strengthen this mentality to be competitive."

Regarding his goals and what he wants to achieve, he said: "To be part of this journey, how we want to play, how we want to approach matches – that is my goal. That is what I look forward to with the entire team. We are still at the beginning, and I am happy, but I certainly want to be there (in Europe). To be at Chelsea, you must have that ambition and hunger."

When asked about the players' passion, he replied: "They are excited about what they do. You can see that the energy is good, the enthusiasm is there. We have to prepare well, and we have to build the right mentality and the essential fundamentals to be ready for the weekend matches."

Read also: On the edge of the abyss.. Will Argentina continue to survive with the character of a champion?

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What changed after missing out on European competitions?

On what he needs from the players, Alonso stressed: "We need intense desire and passion, and we need the desire to improve. The Premier League is highly competitive. We have to prepare well, and we have to be decisive in the details and in the way they want to play. But most importantly, our playing style."

On the team's absence from European competitions, he stressed that it changed some things, saying: "Certainly in the small details, but the main focus on the way we want to start in August hasn't changed much. We are working with the sporting directors. What we need to strengthen is clear, and we are working on that."

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Enzo Fernandez's future.. and Mourinho's powers

The future of Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez sparked controversy at the end of last season after the player hinted at his desire to move to the Bernabeu, but Los Blancos distanced themselves from that circle and confirmed in an official statement that they had not moved towards the player either directly or indirectly, reaffirming their respect for the player and Chelsea, after it was rumored that the Blues would not let him go for less than £120 million.

Alonso said about the player's future: "We have spoken, but this is still a private matter." After being pressed and asked whether he wanted the player to stay at Chelsea, the Spaniard added: "Yes."

Regarding the title of head coach and the expanded powers that come with the position, he explained: "For me, this means that we work together to make the right decisions in planning and in training sessions. Also, how we want to prepare the team for each position. We agree, and we have set our priorities on what we want to do."

On the similarity to the role Jose Mourinho had at Stamford Bridge previously, he said: "The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world. I am very excited to take on this task, to develop and learn together, and to get to know Chelsea's history. The club has achieved huge successes and has had many great players and great managers. I feel proud, lucky, and ready."

Read also: Greatly admired.. Morocco star enters Milan's calculations

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Impressions on Palmer.. Balestra's adaptation.. and the defensive combination

On his first impressions of Cole Palmer, he said: "We have already had a few training sessions. From the first day you can see that he is an exceptional talent. It is not easy to find a player like him; you notice his quality, his way of playing, and his decisions. I am glad he comes in a good mood and with a positive mentality to have a great season, and we look forward to getting the best out of him. He will be a starter."

On the new right-back from Atalanta, Italian Marco Balestra, and how he can adapt, he stated: "He possesses many great qualities required by modern football. He can play in a four or five-man defensive line, on the left side. We need to continue working with him so he adapts to the Premier League. He has a great mentality in terms of competitiveness and ambition."

Regarding the five or four-man backline, he explained: "I have some ideas in my mind. This is my job. We want to be brave, play good football, but we need a good mentality. We have to know what to do in every moment, and that will be a good path."

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World Cup... and Garnacho's departure

On the players participating in the World Cup, the Blues coach said: "This was planned in advance. It is not surprising that some of our players are still there. I am happy for them because they are living an unforgettable experience. In the end, I hope we have one champion and we will celebrate. We have to be flexible, and we will have to accelerate preparations with some players."

On the World Cup tournament in general, he stressed: "Watching Spain's matches brings back many memories, because of the team, their energy, and their control of the match. We have many reasons to be optimistic. It will be a great match to watch against France. I look forward to it."

Finally, he spoke about the future of Alejandro Garnacho, saying: "Well, the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors. There is interest from other clubs. So let's see how things develop. But I hope things end in the best possible way for the other clubs."

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