Newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is set to speak to the media for the first time since he was officially brought on board. After some training sessions and club interviews he is now going to face the press for the first time to speak to the public. The conference is set to begin at 3pm in the UK and we will be providing updates of the highlights as he fields questions.
It will air on official club channels like their website and app.
Read More: Projected Chelsea Squad for 26/27 as of June 29
Xabi Alonso’s First Chelsea Press Conference Highlights
Initial Thoughts & Why Chelsea
“I want to enjoy it, be part of this club, work together with the sporting directors, players and staff around. It’s a club with great potential, we need to make important, right decisions. A strong base is already built, now we need to keep building this mentality to be competitive on the pitch, win games and enjoy it.”
How Much Hunger Is In The Squad
“I have felt already that they want to have a good season….we are stating from zero…..they are really keen”
“We want to be there. Time will tell, we are ambitious. In Chelsea you need to share that ambition, energy and hunger.”
Most Important Characteristics Players Need to Thrive Under Him
“Hunger, passion for the game, to want to improve….really determined in details”
“It is so important we build the right mentality, the right basics and essentials on the daily basis to be ready for the weekends.”
On Not Having European Football
“Doesn’t change much.”
Comment on Enzo Fernandez
“yes we have spoken.”
“Yes (wants to keep him at Chelsea)”
Head Coach vs Manager Title
“for me, means that we are working together to take the right decisions in squad planning on a daily basis I am on that. How we want to prepare the squad, which players and positions are needed are the work we do together with the directors.”
On Sporting Directors
“We are aligned and have set our priorities”
On Cole Palmer
“You can see he’s a special talent….you notice his quality”
“We are building a strong team to find the key players, for sure Cole is one of these key players in the attacking part”
Signing Marco Palestra
“He has many great qualities to adapt to modern football. He is a player that gives versatility to play a back four and five, he can play on the left. I am positive that it won’t take a lot of time [to adapt]. He has a very good mentality
On Whether He Believes He Can Build a Team To Win The Premier League
“We have the ambiiton to win a lot of games, be competitive. We need to take important decisions, build a strong culture in the club. I will not say what will happen in May, I am confident and optimistic that we can have a great season”
On Alejandro Garnacho and His Absence From Training
“The situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors. There is interest in him from other clubs. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for everyone.”
On Nicolas Jackson
“he’s joining in the tour in asia, looking forward to start working with Nico”
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
