​New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was introduced at Stamford Bridge on Monday, expressing his desire to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club. The 25-year-old Argentina midfielder, who is preparing for England in the World Cup semi-finals, is open to leaving and has recently been linked with Real Madrid. However, Chelsea’s officials have denied pursuing Fernandez last week, leaving him with no clear alternative destination and a substantial asking price of £120 million. When asked if he wants to retain Fernandez, Alonso answered with a firm “yes” and added: “We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.” This marked the Spaniard’s first extensive press conference since taking charge after leaving Real Madrid in January. He also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will rejoin the squad for at least Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after Bayern Munich chose not to make his loan move permanent. “Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us,” Alonso stated.
In other news, winger Alejandro Garnacho has not returned to training under Alonso, who started his role last Thursday. The manager indicated there is an agreement for Garnacho to stay away from the first-team squad while he pursues a move, with Italian club Roma among the interested parties. “There is interest in him from other clubs. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for everyone,” he commented.
Alonso also outlined his ambitions for the club, expressing a goal to qualify for European competition in his first season and thanking the sporting directors and owners for entrusting him with the role. He said: “I want to enjoy it, be part of this club and work with the sporting directors. It is a club with great potential. We need to make the right decisions, but we have a strong base to build on. We need to build on this foundation to be successful on the pitch.”
The new Chelsea boss has begun laying out his plans for the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. He emphasized the importance of a solid foundation and the work required to translate potential into on-pitch success while navigating discussions with players who may be part of transfer speculations. As the club looks ahead to pre-season and the start of a new era under Alonso, supporters will be keen to see how his approach translates into results and a path back into Europe.