Xabi Alonso has described his arrival at Chelsea this summer as an "update" rather than a wholesale overhaul, insisting the club did not require a full rebuild when he took the reins at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old penned a four-year deal in May, inheriting a squad that had finished 10th in the Premier League — a campaign that also saw the club part ways with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior mid-season. It was the third time in four seasons Chelsea had missed out on European football.

"Not a reset — it was an update, I would say. To change or to take decisions in another direction," Alonso told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "My main concern is the squad, the team, the players that we have, in which stage of their career they are, in which moments we want to bring them, what we have, what we can improve."

Process over perfection

Alonso has taken charge of six matches across all competitions, recording two wins, one draw, and one defeat in the Premier League, alongside back-to-back victories in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea face Brentford in a west London derby on Friday Night Football, live on Sky Sports.

The Spaniard was clear that chasing perfection is not part of his philosophy. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he said. "What I'm looking for is to reach a good level, good continuity, good solidity — to be a team that knows what they're going to do and have this confidence and this conviction whenever you are facing any opposition."

On the broader timeline for Chelsea's development, Alonso was measured. "I am aware everything takes time in football, but time will tell," he said. "I'm sure that the Chelsea of the first day and the Chelsea of the last day in the Premier League will be different — and I'm sure that it will be better."

Joao Pedro in contention against Brentford

Alonso also addressed the fitness of Joao Pedro, who withdrew from the Brazil squad mid-week, raising questions about his availability for Friday's derby. The manager refused to rule Pedro out entirely.

"No one is ruled out. I remain cautious and we wait," Alonso said. "We will see if he's ready to play. We will take a decision." When pressed on whether Pedro could feature against Brentford but miss out on Brazil duty, Alonso acknowledged: "It is a possibility."

Asked whether Pedro was disappointed to have missed the Brazil squad — particularly given he was absent from the World Cup as well — Alonso offered a measured response. "He has moved on from the summer, he has moved on from the World Cup. He has shown this desire, determination to have a great season so far. He will be in the Brazil squad in the future. I'm pretty sure he is going to be."