Xabi Alonso has expressed his strong commitment to building a lasting culture at Chelsea following his appointment as the club’s manager in May. The 44-year-old Spaniard, Chelsea’s fifth permanent manager since the beginning of 2026, acknowledged the challenges associated with the role at Stamford Bridge, where managerial tenures have been notably short.

Alonso, who succeeded Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior, emphasized the need for both intellectual and emotional dedication to the project. “It had to be a lot from here [his head] and also from here [his gut]. It has to be from the guts,” he said, underscoring the passion behind his decision to take on the demanding position.

Since taking charge, Alonso has sought to establish a stable and progressive atmosphere at the club, focusing on analyzing the squad and planning for the future. He said the timing of the appointment was right both for himself and the club, citing Chelsea’s recent on-field performances as a positive foundation. “It is a team that has played really well recently, and the situation was not as bad as it looked at the end of last season,” Alonso added.

Achieving lasting success and constructing a coherent team culture are central to Alonso’s vision for Chelsea. He noted the importance of balancing different player profiles and career stages within the squad to foster a dynamic yet stable environment. “You need the right balance of personalities, of maturity stages, early twenties with early thirties and in between,” he explained. Alonso also highlighted the role of his coaching staff in maintaining communication with players and bridging any gaps that arise due to the inherently hierarchical nature of a manager’s position.

Chelsea insiders have pointed to Alonso’s four-year contract as a sign of the club’s willingness to allow him time to implement his vision. Alonso himself acknowledged that building a culture is a process, requiring patience and continuous adjustment.

Reflecting on his coaching career, which began in 2019, Alonso admitted to having faced setbacks but expressed confidence that the experience would make him a better manager. Having won three major trophies as a coach and 17 as a player, he is determined to translate his personal success into achievements for Chelsea. “You learn from the disappointment of things that were not meant to be, and you try to think of things that will be better,” he said.

Previously praised for a record-breaking 2023-24 season at Bayer Leverkusen, where his team went unbeaten for 51 games, Alonso remains a highly regarded figure in European football. Although his stint at Real Madrid as manager lasted less than a year, the Spaniard continues to be held in high esteem by the club.

As Chelsea embarks on what Alonso describes as an ambitious project under new ownership, the club’s leadership and supporters will be closely watching whether he can bring stability and long-term success to Stamford Bridge.