By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has urged supporters to believe in the club’s new project, insisting “good things will come” if players, staff and fans unite behind a shared vision.
The Spaniard made the remarks in his first official interview, published on Chelsea’s website after beginning work with the squad at Cobham ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Addressing supporters directly, Alonso said he wants to rebuild the connection between the team and the Stamford Bridge faithful as he begins a new era in west London.
“The message is that we want to share that belief that good things will come if we are together and we create this strength, this power that the club has,” Alonso said.
“It has to come from us to bring this energy, but together we can achieve great things in the coming years.”
The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach said he was attracted by the quality of Chelsea’s squad and believes the club has the potential to return to the top.
“The potential of the team and squad made me really excited, to find a squad to work with, create a football idea, bring excitement to the stadium and connect with the fans,” he said.
Alonso also stressed that hard work and commitment would be the foundation of his reign.
“You can’t hold back anything; everything is for the team. Hard work is a must. We need to create that culture. It starts here in a daily process at Cobham.”
The 44-year-old described taking charge of Chelsea as a privilege and believes the timing is right for his first managerial job in the Premier League after coaching in Germany and Spain.
“It feels great, but it’s a big honour. To be part of this great club that is one of the best in the world… it’s looking forward to the challenge,” he added.
Alonso has signed a four-year contract and will take charge of his first competitive match when Chelsea open their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away to Fulham next month. The club said his immediate focus is building the right culture and laying the foundations for long-term success.
