Alonso says Chelsea ready to move on from Enzo Fernandez departure

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea are prepared to move forward after Enzo Fernandez left for Manchester City, insisting the club have enough quality and depth to adapt to their changing tactical demands.

Chelsea are preparing for a London derby against reigning champions Arsenal on Sunday, with Alonso speaking ahead of the Premier League fixture.

“We can be completely satisfied with the transfer window. We achieved a lot of what we began discussing at the start of the summer. The first phase of this transfer window was very balanced. That phase is complete, and it has been good for the present and the future,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea manager was also asked about the club’s failure to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco. He said he was happy with the squad available to him and believed it had a good balance of experience and youth.

“I think we are ready and satisfied with the squad and its depth. We have a good balance between players at different stages of their careers. We need to build this energy during the week so we can deliver an outstanding performance at the weekend. So far, the start has been good, and now we know who the key players are, which is a good thing,” he said.

Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was completed for a reported British record £125m, the same fee as Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool. The joint-record deal made Fernandez the most expensive signing in Premier League history, alongside Isak.

Alonso said Chelsea’s major decisions had been made collectively and that conversations with Fernandez had remained respectful.

“We make all the decisions together. We work together on the big decisions and the small ones. We knew the ultimate goal was to do what was best for the team. We want to build high morale and a strong team,” he said.

“In football, many things happen. We had conversations with Enzo, and they were all respectful. What he gave to the club was fantastic, but now it is time to move forward. We have high-quality players in every position, and we are now fully prepared.”

Alonso also discussed Emmanuel Emegha, who joined Chelsea from Strasbourg. He described the forward as a young player with considerable talent, but stressed that patience would be important as he seeks to establish himself.

“He is a young player and has excellent talent. We hope his situation improves and that he takes the necessary steps to become more involved. Young players must be patient, but opportunities will come,” Alonso said.

On Chelsea’s midfield options, Alonso highlighted the qualities of several players, including Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, Reece James and Malo Gusto.

“Valentin Barco is young but has tremendous energy. Jordan Henderson has the calmness and the right mentality. Henderson understands the game, and he is getting closer and closer to earning playing time. Reece James as well, and Malo Gusto too,” he added.

Alonso described Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa during the summer as the most expensive English player, as one of the club’s most important decisions in their squad planning.

“When it comes to squad planning and making the big decisions, Morgan was certainly one of the most important decisions. To get a player of his standing, he will be a key player for the next six or seven years,” he said.

Chelsea have won their opening two matches of the season, despite recording less than 40% possession in both games. Those figures have attracted attention, but Alonso believes his side can adjust according to the demands of each match.

“We are capable of adapting to what we want. There will be matches in which we have a lot of possession but struggle to score. We are still at the beginning, we have played two matches and won both of them. We know we can perform better,” he said.

Arsenal and Chelsea are level at the top of the Premier League table alongside Hull City, Manchester City and Brentford.