Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso has spoken about his approach to coaching, including the need to "reset" after a challenging seven-month tenure at Real Madrid, which he described as a "scar" that has now healed. Alonso stated that he has been critical of himself, analyzing what could have been done better during his time in Madrid, but emphasized the importance of moving forward with renewed motivation.
Alonso joined Chelsea this summer, viewing it as the right timing for both the club and himself. He believes the team possesses significant potential, noting that the situation was not as dire as it appeared at the end of the previous season. "It had to be a lot from here, and also from here, from the guts," he said, referring to the decision-making process.
Chelsea's pre-season tour will take Alonso and the team to Sydney, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with one friendly match scheduled in each location before returning to England. Alonso highlighted the importance of replenishing his energy reserves during his time off to effectively lead his new squad. "I used my time to reset the energy because you need to be full of energy as a manager to pull from the rest," he explained. He focused on his own well-being and reflection rather than watching extensive football during this period.
Alonso addressed the team's recruitment strategy, which includes experienced players like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. He sees the addition of players in their early 30s alongside younger talent as crucial for creating a balanced team with a strong collective spirit. "For me, you need the right balance of personalities, of maturity stages, early 20s with early 30s and in between, players in different stages of their careers," Alonso said. He believes this blend is as important as tactics in fostering team spirit, which he considers paramount, followed by playing good football and winning games. His experience playing under managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti has informed his views on man-management and team dynamics.
Chelsea's sporting leadership, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have reportedly been impressed with Alonso's enthusiasm and collaborative approach. The club is also supporting him by bringing in specialists such as Austin MacPhee as a set-piece coach. Alonso has also been actively involved in training sessions, demonstrating drills himself, which he says he enjoys while he is still able to do so.
Alonso cited his upbringing and his father's career in football as influences that made the coaching path feel natural. He began his coaching career at Real Madrid's U14s before taking on his role at Chelsea. The move to London was also a significant factor for his family, with his wife and daughters set to join him. "It makes sense in this stage of our lives to come to London," he stated.