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New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed full confidence that the club will field a strong, competitive squad under his guidance, dismissing rumours about possible big-name departures from Stamford Bridge.

Alonso was officially confirmed last weekend as the next head coach of the Blues, signing a four-year contract. He will formally begin his duties at Cobham on June 1.

The former Spanish international takes charge as the permanent successor to Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed in April after just three months in the role. Alonso replaces Calum McFarlane, currently serving his second stint this season as interim head coach.

Upon his arrival in west London, Alonso will face several challenges, particularly with Chelsea possibly missing out on European competition next season. This could impact the club’s transfer dealings as they look to strengthen the squad.

Meanwhile, several key Chelsea players have been linked with potential exits. Real Madrid reportedly maintain a long-term interest in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Barcelona are said to be monitoring Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella.

Despite these transfer speculations, Alonso remains optimistic about the quality of the team he will inherit. Speaking to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, he said, “We’re going to make a good team.”

Alonso also dismissed any suggestion that Chelsea’s uncertain European prospects had made him hesitate about taking the job. The Blues currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, seven points behind fifth place heading into the season’s final matchday. Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were ended after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley last weekend.

However, Chelsea’s 2-1 victory in Tuesday’s London derby against Tottenham has kept their hopes alive for a Europa League or Conference League spot. They now face competition from Brighton, Brentford, and Sunderland for the remaining European places.

The Blues’ final fixture is away against Sunderland, and they may have received a boost following Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph on Wednesday night, which could open up another European slot for English clubs.

When asked about taking charge despite these uncertainties, Alonso replied, “No, I was always open to it, and, well, it’s a beautiful project. Chelsea is a nice project, it’s a very good option.”

Following a decorated playing career as a midfielder with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the Spanish national team, Alonso embarked on his managerial journey with Real Sociedad and Real Madrid’s youth setups. He quickly rose to prominence by leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup in his debut senior season.

Alonso later returned to Real Madrid as head coach last summer but departed after less than eight months, following a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona and with Los Blancos trailing their rivals in LaLiga. He was succeeded by his former Liverpool teammate Alvaro Arbeloa, who is now reportedly set to make way for the surprise comeback of Jose Mourinho.

Asked about his brief spell at Real Madrid, Alonso declined to elaborate, responding, “Real Madrid? No, no, no… I cannot say anything.”