Xabi Alonso has made it clear he wants Enzo Fernandes to stay at Chelsea, simply saying: “Yes” when asked if he hoped to keep the Argentine midfielder at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, with Real Madrid previously touted as a potential destination, but Alonso appeared to have sealed the move during his unveiling as the club’s new head coach on Monday.
“We talked,” Alonso said. “But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.”
Fernandes is currently preparing for the Argentina match World Cup In the semi-final against England, it is understood the door is open for him to leave Chelsea.
However, Real Madrid denied interest in the midfielder last week and the Blues’ £120m valuation leaves few clear destinations.
Alonso as Chelsea coach
Alonso’s support for Fernandes came during his first major press conference since replacing Enzo Maresca following the Spaniard’s departure from Real Madrid in January.
The new Chelsea boss also confirmed that striker Nicholas Jackson remains part of his plans after Bayern Munich opted not to make his loan move permanent.
“Nico Jackson will join the Asian Tour and we are looking forward to him working with us,” Alonso said.
However, there was less certainty over Alejandro Garnacho’s future, with the winger yet to return to training under the new coach.
Alonso revealed that an agreement had been reached for Garnacho to remain away from the first team while he searches for a new club, with Roma among the parties interested in signing him.
Chelsea also saw Andre Santos complete his move to Manchester United shortly before Alonso faced the media, raising questions about whether an absence from European football would force the club to downsize the squad.
“(It has changed) the small details for sure, but the main focus on how we want to start the competition in August, it doesn’t change much,” Alonso said.
“We are in agreement with the sporting directors about where we want to reach. The team is good and where we want to strengthen in terms of positions is clear.
“We still have a few weeks to go but we are working in a very consistent way – and this is the right way.”
“Privilege and honor”
Speaking from the Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge, Alonso described taking charge of Chelsea as a “privilege and an honour” and outlined the reasons behind accepting the role.
“The excitement is the club, the team and the opportunity, through this ownership, to be at this great club, create a bond with the fans, win games and achieve success,” he said.
“I want to enjoy it, be part of this group and work with the athletic directors, players and staff here.
“We need to make important decisions – the right decisions – but I think the foundations have already been built.
“We need to continue to build the mentality to be able to compete on the pitch, win games and enjoy doing it,” he added.
Chelsea failed in their bid to qualify for Europe last season after a final-day defeat to Sunderland, but Alonso has made it clear that a return to continental competition remains a priority.
“Definitely, that’s a goal,” he said when asked about securing European football.
“But to reach that goal you have to do a lot of things right.
“I will be part of this process. The way we play, how we see ourselves and how we approach every game is my job, and that’s why I’m looking forward to making the whole team available.
“We’re just starting out and it’s been a happy first few days so far, but we definitely want to be there (in Europe).
“Time will tell, but we are ambitious, and at Chelsea you need to share that energy and hunger to succeed.”
