New Chelsea boss Alonso eyes European Qualification, Calls For More 'Hunger'

Xabi Alonso demands Chelsea 'hunger' in first press conference as Blues boss 

Xabi Alonso avoided specific targets for his first season at Chelsea but said European qualification is the aim as he pushes for more “hunger” from the squad.

Xabi Alonso demands more Chelsea 'hunger' in debut press conference as new head coach...

In his first press conference as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Xabi Alonso told the Blues they need to build a “hunger” to win.

The 44-year-old also spoke about the current World Cup and reflected on his own experience helping Spain win it in 2010.

 

Xabi at Stamford Bridge. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/f2yMXALpKG

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2026

The ex-Real Madrid boss avoided setting specific goals for his first season in charge in west London, but said qualifying for Europe is a target.

“For sure that's a goal,” he said. “But to reach that goal, you need to do many right things, and to be part of that process how do we want to play? How do we want to see ourselves? How do we want to approach a game wherever we go?

“That's my job. That's why I am really looking forward to having the whole squad. At the moment we have some bids, but early days so far.

“But for sure, we want to be there and time will tell. But we are ambitious and we in Chelsea need to share that energy, that ambition, as well as that hunger to want to have success.”