Xabi Alonso sets out non-negotiable to Chelsea players in first interview

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesXabi AlonsoXabi Alonso has been speaking in his first interview as Chelsea head coach, outlining his hard work culture and the message he has for the players at Stamford BridgeXabi Alonso has had his first interview as Chelsea boss(Image: Chelsea)Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has made clear to his squad that fostering a culture of hard work at Stamford Bridge is his primary objective.The Spaniard outlined his vision for his time at the helm in his first interview since taking charge of the club. Alonso was confirmed as Chelsea manager in May, putting pen to paper on a four-year contract in west London.The former Liverpool midfielder began his duties on July 1, taking over from Liam Rosenior after Calum McFarlane had overseen the final month of the previous campaign.

Thursday marked the start of pre-season, with the likes of Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Wesley Fofana reporting for duty under their new manager.His message at the training ground was refreshingly straightforward as he laid out his expectations."You can't hold back anything, everything is for the team," he said. "Hard work is a must."We need to create that culture, it starts here in a daily process at Cobham."The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss also disclosed that the promise shown by the current squad played a significant role in his decision to join the club, reports the Mirror.He said he wants to create a culture of hard work at Stamford Bridge(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)"The potential of the team and squad made me very excited, to find a squad to work with, create a football idea and bring excitement to the stadium and connect with the fans," he said."I've been to Stamford Bridge before, mostly on the other side, but I know the energy the stadium has.

We need to create that energy again, with everyone together.""To be part of this club, it's a great club, one of the best in the world, with great success over the last few decades. It's a big privilege to be part of it, and now I'm looking forward to the challenge," he continued."The message is we want to share that belief that good things will come if we are together and we create this strength, it has to come from us to bring the energy, but together, we can achieve great things in the coming years."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Xabi AlonsoChelsea FCReal Madrid CF