Updated 16:57, 09 Jul 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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\nXabi Alonso has had his first interview as Chelsea boss(Image: Chelsea)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has told his players that he wants to create a culture of hard work at Stamford Bridge. Speaking in his first interview with the club since being appointed, the Spaniard set out the stall for his tenure.<\/p>\n
Alonso was confirmed as Chelsea boss in May, agreeing a four-year deal in west London. The ex-Liverpool midfielder started work on July 1, succeeding Liam Rosenior after Calum McFarlane spent the final month of the season in charge.<\/p>\n
Thursday saw pre-season begin with the likes of Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Wesley Fofana arrive to work under their new boss. And his message was simple as he set out his stall at the training ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t hold back anything, everything is for the team,” he said. “<\/strong>Hard work is a must\u201d<\/p>\n\u201cWe need to create that culture, it starts here in a daily process at Cobham\u201d<\/p>\n
The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach also revealed that the potential of the squad was a motivating factor in joining.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe potential of the team and squad made me very excited, to find a squad to work with, create a football idea and bring excitement to the stadium and connect with the fans,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve been to Stamford Bridge before, mostly on the other side, but I know the energy the stadium has. We need to create that energy again, with everyone together.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nXabi Alonso has given his first interview as Chelsea boss(Image: Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
“To be part of this club, it\u2019s a great club, one of the best in the world, with great success over the last few decades. It\u2019s a big privilege to be part of it, and now I\u2019m looking forward to the challenge,” he continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe message is we want to share that belief that good things will come if we are together and we create this strength, it has to come from us to bring the energy, but together, we can achieve great things in the coming years\u201d<\/p>\n
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