SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Xabi Alonso is calling for patience as he embarks on his coaching journey with Chelsea this week in Sydney.
Staying true to his playing style, Alonso remains unhurried. The former Liverpool midfielder was known for his precise, calm passing and his thoughtful understanding of the game’s nuances.
Now, 17 years later, the same level of thoughtfulness characterizes his transition into coaching. The 44-year-old is adeptly navigating the excitement of global media as he prepares to lead Chelsea during their friendly matches in Sydney.
While Alonso retains his calm demeanor, the football landscape has changed significantly since his days as a player.
“The game has changed a lot,” he told reporters on Monday. “It feels like a long time since I left in 2009. We’ve observed the league’s evolution, along with the progression of teams, clubs, coaches, and players.”
“Those were great years, and now I hope to enjoy this experience as a manager. So far, I see excellent potential among the players we have. While our squad isn’t fully complete, those who are training are displaying great energy.”
“I’m spending time with the academy players, many of whom I wasn’t familiar with, and they have genuinely impressed me. Their quality, despite their youth, is remarkable, and they present fantastic prospects for development.”
One standout player is Morgan Rogers, who recently set a record by becoming the most expensive British player after signing with Chelsea for £117 million ($157 million).
The early part of Alonso’s media session focused on the English forward, who is currently absent from the team’s Australia tour and whom Alonso has yet to meet.
In his absence, Alonso has brought along a mix of younger players and a few established stars for pre-season matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.
His goal is to begin to understand how to put the pieces together, creating the same time and space he utilized as a player, allowing his team to learn and grow together ahead of the Premier League season kickoff on August 22.
“We need to focus on the present and not get ahead of ourselves by thinking too much about what will happen in May,” he said, referencing the end of the Premier League season. “We want to have a solid start, but to do that, we must build good energy and chemistry within the team, alongside clear ideas that will develop over time.”
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“I’m certain that the team starting in August will differ from the team we finish with in May, and I believe that team will be significantly improved by then.”
“I don’t want to set concrete goals just yet. Our aim is to have a successful season and to deserve a high position, which will require hard work. We need to develop this team alongside new players and fresh coaching ideas. Sometimes progress takes time while other times it surprises you with how quickly it happens.”
“We are prepared to implement our vision and plan. So far, the atmosphere has been positive. The players are giving their all, which is exactly what we want.”
Chelsea will commence their Sydney Super Cup campaign against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28 at Accor Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 p.m. AEST (10:45 a.m. BST).