Chelsea new manager on Enzo Fernandez - Source: Getty
Chelsea new manager on Enzo Fernandez - Source: Getty
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that he wants to keep Enzo Fernández at Chelsea. The Spaniard added that he has spoken to the Argentina midfielder and is waiting for him.
Speaking in his first press conference since joining the club, Alonso said he would not reveal the details of his conversation with Fernandez. However, he confirmed that they are planning to keep him at the club beyond the summer.
“We have spoken but, as you can understand, what we have spoken (about) remains private.” (via NY Times)
When quizzed about whether Fernandez would return to the club after the FIFA World Cup, Alonso said there had been no further talks, but hinted that their last conversation suggested he would join pre-season training after his vacation.
“Yes, yes… no (no new talks). The ones who have reached the semis, they will come (back to Chelsea) on the same day and we will train as normal.”
Alonso was soon quizzed about his plans, and if he was planning to push for the Premier League title, he added:
“Time will tell but what I’m sure of is that we have the ambition to win a lot of games, to be competitive. We need to take important decisions. We need to build strong principles, a strong mentality and culture in the club, and time will tell."
"I’m not going to say what will happen in May, it’s absolutely too early to say that, but I’m confident, I’m optimistic that we can have a great season. For that, it’s time to work, to prepare, to be intelligent, to make things, and after that to have this belief in the team, with our fans here in Stamford Bridge. It will be very important.”
Xabi Alonso was appointed by the Blues this summer following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. He was a free agent after leaving Real Madrid in January.
Xabi Alonso sends message to his Chelsea players
Xabi Alonso has told his Chelsea players he expects to see passion on the pitch. He added that the main thing is to have hunger for success and said:
“We need to have hunger, we need to have the passion for the game. We need to want to improve. We are in such a competitive competition and for that, we need to prepare ourselves. We need to be really, really determined and be really strong on our basics.”
Chelsea have signed Marco Palestra, while selling Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Marc Cucurella.