Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was interviewed by Roger Bennett, host of the "Men in Blazers" podcast, to discuss his first season managing Chelsea and his objectives for the Premier League. Alonso explained his reasons for choosing Chelsea, his coaching philosophy, his relationship with Arteta, and other topics. Below is the second half of the interview.

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Before this summer, Chelsea's signings focused mainly on rising young stars, but you've broken that pattern in this transfer window. You brought in 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who had an excellent season at Brighton with 14 goals, and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson, who joined from Brentford because, as you said, he's highly respected by his teammates and crucial to the team. Xavi, what was missing in Chelsea's previous dressing room culture, and what can these experienced players with distinct personalities bring?

Alonso: For me, as I've said before, it's about potential, and I really like the current squad. But there are also areas we can improve, which I analyzed from an outside perspective and identified their shortcomings after communicating with the team and players. Without a doubt, in everything you need to find the right balance. You need physical balance, and a balance between talent and experience. Similarly, you need a balance between young players who need to develop and veterans with maturity who can help others develop. Nothing is perfect, but at least we made the right decisions at the right time, in a way that aligns with football logic. Now we're off to a good start with this new project.

So when you look at this team, what was really missing? Can you describe it in your own words?

Alonso: The team has outstanding talent, but it lacks composure and resilience forged through overcoming adversity. What's missing is the experience of knowing how to react when things don't go smoothly, to push through difficulties, and the leadership ability to guide young players. It's no secret in football that young players need support, and this support often comes from players who have played many matches and have more competitive experience.

Another notable new face is Austin MacPhee, Scotland's very distinctive set-piece specialist. You brought him from Aston Villa to Chelsea. How much time do you spend with Austin during training? His tactical ideas are quite complex. What can Chelsea fans expect from this?

Alonso: We want to have the best specialists in every department, and without a doubt, Austin has extensive Premier League experience. For our coaching staff, quickly learning and adapting to the Premier League is also a challenge. We also have others around us who were here last year and have fresh Premier League experience to support Austin. They know what it takes to win and how to prepare for every match. This has helped tremendously, and we're very pleased to have Austin working with us.

What can Chelsea fans expect regarding set pieces this season?

Alonso: For me, it doesn't need to be said in words but shown and executed on the pitch, because words are often empty. I could boast and say "everyone can expect us to score 100 goals from set pieces," but we have to act and deliver results on the pitch.

"Actions speak louder than words."

Alonso: Yes, exactly.

You mentioned adjusting your coaching style to adapt to the Premier League. I'm an Everton fan, and I've personally seen you beat other teams in the Premier League. You know the Premier League well. How do you view this? As a head coach with your own philosophy adapting to the Premier League—that's a completely different process.

Alonso: It certainly requires a process, but that's also part of the challenge of becoming a Premier League head coach. Every league is different, and there are different small adjustments. I've previously managed in the Bundesliga and La Liga. I'll quickly discover what's new and grasp it rapidly. It's also a continuous process of learning and adapting.

So, according to you, what style of football should we expect from Chelsea under your leadership?

Alonso: Actions speak louder than words.

Come on, just whisper it—no one else is listening.

Alonso: No, we want to play beautiful football, football that conveys positive energy, and on the pitch, we know exactly what we want.

That's remarkable to me. This season, as many as 20% of Premier League head coaches will be Basque, including you, Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. You smiled when I mentioned Mikel. Everyone knows you both grew up on the same street in San Sebastián as children. Back then you were kids, and you played together for nine years on the same youth team. I believe you were also neighbors when you played for Liverpool and he was a star player at Everton. Can you describe your relationship and how you've maintained this friendship over the years? Now that you're rivals in the Premier League, do you expect this relationship to change?

Alonso: No, it won't change. Our friendship and mutual respect won't change because of competition, because the system he's built at Arsenal is truly remarkable, and it's a long-term process. The same goes for Andoni, although he didn't live on my street, but just about a 10-minute walk away. I'm very happy and honored to have four Basque coaches in the Premier League.

Have you been in contact with them?

Alonso: We've stayed in touch since childhood.

Do you trust the information they tell you this season?

Alonso: Haha, let's skip that topic.

Back to the main subject. Looking at everything, as your first Premier League season, what would make you feel this season is successful? What's the minimum threshold that would make you proud?

I think when we deserve to win matches, when we show fighting spirit on the pitch, when we're proud of what we demonstrate, the football we play, and our willingness to fight in every match, then we'll feel we've had a successful season. This will also guide us to achieve the highest possible position.

So ultimately, how do you evaluate all of this?

Alonso: Time will tell where we finish, but our goal is to achieve the highest possible position.

Wishing Xabi Alonso, your family, and your club all the best. Thank you.

Alonso: Thank you very much.

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