Xabi Alonso opens up on Chelsea move, Premier League adaptation and Liverpool memories in Jamie Carragher interview

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken candidly about his appointment at Stamford Bridge, his aims for the season and his time playing alongside Jamie Carragher at Liverpool, in a wide-ranging interview for Sky Sports' new 'Boss' YouTube series.

Why Chelsea?

Alonso said the timing was right after his spell at Bayer Leverkusen and a break following his time at Real Madrid. "I had no link to Chelsea, but with the potential that was here, a few things could change and I thought we could start the journey together," he said. "I had a feeling that the very strong base of the squad was very good and with some updates, some improvements, some new signings, we could have a solid team. And that it was going to be a project."

He stressed that patience is required. "It's not that, in year one it's already done; we know it might take some more years, but the first year is important."

Ownership, structure and decision-making

Asked whether he considered the club's ownership during early talks, Alonso said knowing he would be involved in key decisions was important. "There is the ownership, the sporting director and me, but we are always connected and we have good communication."

He also dismissed concerns about Chelsea's managerial history. "No, it was not a worry because I know what you need to get results, but I had the feeling we were on the same page."

On the long-term goal of returning to the Champions League and winning the Premier League, he was measured. "In the medium to long-term, yes. We know that takes time and many right decisions," he said. "This club has won Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues not so long ago and we want to be back there, but we are not stupid to think this has to come right now."

Comparing his working relationships, Alonso described a very close partnership with sporting director Simon Rolfe at Leverkusen, adding that the set-up in England differs. He pointed to Chelsea's Sam Jewell, Paul Winstanley and Joe Shields as staff who are close to the team.

Liverpool memories

Alonso recalled how he earned respect at Anfield as a 21-year-old, learning from figures such as Steven Gerrard, Carragher, Didi Hamann and Sami Hyypia. "I learned as well that you need to earn the respect of the guys that were there," he said. "Happily, it didn't take too long."

He recalled a 3-0 home win over Norwich as one of his early games where he began to win over teammates, and said Gary Speed's greeting on his Bolton debut stuck with him: "Welcome to the Premier League!"

The modern Premier League

Alonso said the gap between the top clubs and the rest was much wider 20 years ago, and that players are now far more complete physically. "Tactically, the gameplans are really sophisticated nowadays," he said. "I'm still getting into the tempo of the Premier League because, for me, it has been a change."

He added that the atmosphere in English stadiums has not changed. "For me, it feels the same. At the noise... we were playing against Everton and the noise and energy that was created in this stadium, that has not changed."

Spain, England and youth development

On Spain's international success, Alonso credited two decades of methodology and youth work, pointing to Luis de la Fuente's long involvement with youth national teams. He also praised Real Sociedad's focus on young players and said he was impressed by some of Chelsea's young talent. He added that England, under Thomas Tuchel, are "getting close" and need to make the next step to win a major trophy.

The full interview is available on Sky Sports Premier League at 7.30pm on Sunday, October 25.