Xabi Alonso Makes Enzo Fernandez Stance Clear in First Chelsea Press Conference

Xabi Alonso Officially Unveiled as Chelsea Manager at Stamford Bridge

Xabi Alonso has been formally introduced as Chelsea's new head coach, using his first major press conference to send a clear message about the future of midfielder Enzo Fernandez — he wants him to stay.

The 44-year-old Spaniard, who departed Real Madrid earlier this year, stepped into the spotlight at Stamford Bridge on Monday, fielding a broad range of questions about squad planning, transfer activity, and his ambitions for the club.

Alonso's Position on Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez, 25, has attracted significant transfer speculation in recent weeks. The Argentine international — currently preparing for a World Cup semi-final clash with England — has been openly linked with a return to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants denied any active pursuit of the player last week, leaving his situation uncertain with a reported £120 million price tag attached.

When pressed on whether he intends to keep Fernandez at Chelsea, Alonso was direct: "Yes." He acknowledged that the two had already spoken but chose to keep the details of their conversation confidential, saying: "We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private."

The message was unambiguous — Alonso views Fernandez as part of his plans going forward.

Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho Updates

Alonso also provided clarity on two other players whose futures have been under the microscope.

Nicolas Jackson Rejoins the Squad

Striker Nicolas Jackson will link up with the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after Bayern Munich opted not to make his loan move permanent. Alonso confirmed the forward's involvement without hesitation: "Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us."

Garnacho Seeking an Exit

Winger Alejandro Garnacho, on the other hand, has not reported for training since Alonso took the reins last Thursday. The new manager revealed that an arrangement is in place allowing Garnacho to remain away from first-team sessions while he pursues a transfer. Italian outfit Roma are among the clubs believed to be monitoring his availability.

Squad Adjustments and Transfer Strategy

The press conference also came shortly after midfielder Andrey Santos completed a move to Manchester United — a departure that raised questions about whether Chelsea's failure to secure European football this season would force further squad downsizing.

Alonso, however, played down the impact, insisting the club's core objectives remain unchanged: "The team is good and where we want to reinforce in terms of positions is clear. We are aligned with the sporting directors on what we want to reach."

He entered the Drake Suite — a room honouring Chelsea's championship-winning managers — describing it as a "privilege and honour" to lead a club with such a storied legacy.

With the majority of his training sessions at Cobham so far involving a large group that includes Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Levi Colwill, Alonso has wasted no time getting to work, with only eight Chelsea players currently away on World Cup duty.

European Football Remains the Target

Despite Chelsea falling short of European qualification on the final day of last season — suffering a defeat to Sunderland — Alonso made it clear that competing in Europe is non-negotiable as a long-term ambition.

"For sure, that's a goal. But to reach that goal you have to do many things right," he said. "We are ambitious, and at Chelsea you need to share that energy and hunger to succeed."

He also spoke candidly about his personal motivations for joining a club that had seen managerial turbulence, with Enzo Maresca leaving in January and his successor Liam Rosenior dismissed after fewer than four months in the job.

"The excitement is the club, the squad and the opportunity — through this ownership — to be at this great club, create a bond with the supporters, win games and be successful," Alonso explained.

Early Impressions of Alonso at Chelsea

For a manager still settling back into English football after years spent in San Sebastian, Germany, and Madrid, Alonso came across as composed, assured, and personable throughout his opening press conference. He handled sensitive questions about Fernandez, Garnacho, and Jackson with confidence and transparency, offering concrete answers where possible.

While much remains to be seen about his tactical vision and preferred personnel, Alonso's debut in front of the media suggested a man who knows what he wants — and is not afraid to say so. Whether he can bring stability and direction to a Chelsea side that has experienced considerable turbulence under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital remains to be seen, but early signs are encouraging.