Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on whether he is confident to build a team capable of competing in the Premier League, if not win it:

"Time will tell. I'm sure we have ambition to win a lot of games, to be competitive," said Alonso.

"I've said before we need to take important decisions, to build strong principles, strong mentaltity and culture in the club.

"Time will tell, I'm not going to say what will happen in May as it's too early to say that.

"I am confident, I am optimistic we can have a great season, and for that, it's time to prepare, it's time to work, to be intelligent in many things and follow that with belief and belief from fans here at Stamford Bridge, it will be very important."

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on whether he sees hunger in players' eyes:

"I'm sure and I have felt already that they want to have a good season. After last year, we are starting from zero... some new faces from the staff, from the manager.

"But they are really keen on what we are doing. You see that the energy is good. The excitement is there.

"We need to prepare well, we have time for that. It is really important that we build the right mentality to compete, we build the right basics, essentials on a daily basis to be ready for the weekends."

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on whether the Blues need to be playing European football next season:

"For sure. That's a goal but to reach that goal you need to do many right things. To be part of that process, how we want to play, how we want to see ourselves, how we want to approach a game wherever we go - that's my job, that's what I'm really looking forward to. To have the whole squad, at the moment, we have some bits but early days and happy early days so far. But for sure we want to be there.

"Time will tell but we are ambitious and to be in Chelsea you need to share that energy, that ambition and as well that hunger to have success."

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on the future of Alejandro Garnacho:

"We have spoken to the sports director and there's an interest from him, from another club, so let's see how it develops," said Alonso

"I hope it finishes in the best possible way for all parties."

Alonso then followed up with replying to a question about Nicolas Jackson's future as well:

"He's joining in the tour we are starting in Asia," he added.

"I look forward to starting with Niko at that time."

Alejandro Garnacho has not joined up with the Chelsea squad for pre-season as the Premier League club actively look to sell the winger.

Chelsea began pre-season training on Thursday for those members of the first-team squad not at the World Cup, but Garnacho was absent from the sessions at Cobham.

The situation is reflective of the 21-year-old's uncertain future at Stamford Bridge following an underwhelming season after his £40m move from Manchester United on a seven-year contract.

Chelsea value Garnacho in the £43m (50m Euros) region but will only entertain permanent offers, despite reports of loan interest from Serie A club Roma.

Premier League, European and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also believed to have shown an interest, with talks open and advancing with several parties. Manchester United are due 10% of any sale.

Garnacho scored just one Premier League goal in 24 matches, albeit with 10 appearances as a substitute, having struggled to start regularly under Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior.

Any exit is part of a reshaping of Chelsea's squad this summer for new manager Xabi Alonso.

Image source, Getty Images

Xabi Alonso is asked about Alejandro Garnacho and not joining up with the squad for pre-season, he said: "There is an interest for him from another club, let's see how it develops."

"Time will tell" Alonso said when asked if he will be given time to build his team.

"I am optimistic to think we will have a great season"

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, asked how ready he feels to take charge of a club like Chelsea:

"I want to enjoy it, I want to be part of this club, work together with the board of directors, with the players, with the staff around.

"I see that it's a club with a great potential we need for sure to make important decisions, the right decisions, but I think that they have a strong base already built.

"Now we have to build and build this mentality, to be competitive on the pitch, to win games and enjoy it."

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Xabi Alonso said "it's not a big surprise" that he still has players away at the World Cup.

"Hopefully, in the end we will have a world champion"

"We will adapt and speed up preparation with some players"

On the identity he wants to build, Alonso says he has thought of this "for sure", but adds that his side need a good mentality.

Alonso says Cole Palmer is a "special talent" and is happy Palmer has returned with a good mindset for the new season.

Image source, Getty Images

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Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on what excites him about taking charge of Chelsea: "First of all, good afternoon everyone. Thank you for your congratulations.

"The excitement is the club, the squad, the opportunity from the owner to come to this great club and to create excitement, respond with the supporters, to win games and be successful."

Image source, PA Media

Xabi Alonso has also added that he would like Enzo Fernandez to remain at Chelsea.

"The main focus about how we are going to start the competition in August is not going to change much," Alonso said in terms of not having European football at Chelsea.

Image source, Getty Images

"We are starting from zero" Alonso answers next.

"It is important we build the right mentality to compete," he added.

"I want to enjoy it" Alonso said next. He seems very ready to take on this new role.

"We are ambitious" he added.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has sat down and speaks about what excites him about joining Chelsea.

"The chance and hour and opportunity to join this great club and create excitement"