Carragher interviews Xabi Alonso

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher carried out a wide-ranging interview with Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. The conversation covered Alonso's arrival at Stamford Bridge and the goals he has set for this season. The pair's time playing together at Liverpool was also discussed.

Alonso said he took a break after his spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. He said he had no previous connection with Chelsea, but the club's potential caught his attention. He said he believes the squad has a solid foundation and that, with the signings and improvements planned, a strong team can be built.

The head coach stressed that this is a project. In his view, it should not be expected that everything will be completed in the first year. He described good communication between the club's management, the sporting director and himself, and said decisions are taken jointly.

Alonso said he knows how important results are, but he believes the team is moving in the right direction and has a plan. He said a clear direction has been set over a seven-match period. In his view, feeling that things are being done the right way matters as much as the results.