Xabi Alonso’s first full press conference at Stamford Bridge felt less like a splashy unveiling and more like the opening chapter of a rebuild. The former Real Madrid manager made it clear he wants to keep Enzo Fernandez the 25-year-old Argentina midfielder who’s been linked with Real Madrid, but stressed talks will stay private. Chelsea’s reported £120m price tag and Madrid’s denial of interest leave Enzo in limbo, and Alonso sounded determined to protect what he called a strong base.

There was straightforward clarity on personnel. Nicolas Jackson, whose Bayern Munich loan was not made permanent, will join Alonso’s squad for the pre-season tour in Australia and Asia, giving the striker a fresh chance to impress. Alejandro Garnacho, by contrast, remains on the outskirts. Alonso confirmed an agreement for Garnacho to stay away from first-team training while a move is pursued, with Roma among the clubs reportedly interested.

Alonso set modest, realistic goals for Year One: secure European qualification and make careful, intelligent decisions with the sporting directors and ownership. He praised the club’s potential and underlined the need to convert that foundation into results on the pitch. The tone was calm, focused and pragmatic, the message of a coach intent on steady work rather than headline-grabbing gestures as he reshapes Chelsea’s next chapter.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem