​Xabi Alonso says he intends to build on the strong culture that is already embedded at Chelsea, where players must be prepared to pay the price to compete at the highest level in the game. The Spaniard began his duties at the club on Tuesday after being appointed as Liam Rosenior’s permanent successor in May.
The Blues are optimistic that Alonso can restore their fortunes after a disappointing season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to lift a trophy. “For me, in football, there are principles that are non-negotiable,” Alonso said. “You have to be willing to pay the price to compete at the highest level. You can’t hold back anything. You must give everything you have for the benefit of the team. The team is always the most important thing. We need to create that culture, which is a process—and the process starts every day here in Cobham, with training to prepare for when we perform in front of our fans.”
He added: “I think there is a strong culture already built, an important core of the team, and the players who have established it over the years need to help the younger ones feel that as well. That’s through their professionalism, their work ethic, and the understanding that the team is the most important thing. On a daily basis, we will be able to foster that perception and create that culture. The culture we build here will, without a doubt, be transmitted to Stamford Bridge.”
Alonso has already enjoyed notable success in his first senior managerial position, guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and German Cup double while remaining undefeated domestically for the season. They also reached the UEFA Europa League final, which they lost to Atalanta. The 44-year-old predecessor took charge at Real Madrid last summer but lasted only seven months in the role.