Pep Chavarria sets sights on Chelsea trophies after ‘incredible’ start under Xabi Alonso

Pep Chavarria says his opening weeks at Chelsea have been “incredible” and believes working with head coach Xabi Alonso can help him improve and challenge for major trophies.

The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano in August and has made seven competitive appearances for the club. Having taken an unconventional route to the top of the game, the Spanish left-back is determined to make the most of his opportunity at Stamford Bridge.

“To arrive at this club, this amazing club, and the welcome from my team-mates was incredible,” Chavarria told Chelsea’s official website. “I’m very happy with it all, with the staff. They bring me a lot of love.”

Chavarria started his senior career with fourth-tier Spanish club Figueres before progressing through the divisions. He made his La Liga debut at the age of 24 and went on to play 125 times for Rayo, developing a reputation as an energetic, attack-minded full-back.

He feels the demands of the Premier League suit his style, particularly his willingness to contribute in both defence and attack.

“I think that the Premier League now is the best league in the world,” he said. “It has intensity, a lot of quality, and the players are top.

“I love going box-to-box and working for the team.”

The defender has also quickly recognised the physical challenge of English football, where concentration is required for the full 90 minutes.

“If you don’t stay focused, in one second you can lose the game,” he said. “You need to be very concentrated all the time.”

Chavarria is relishing the chance to work under Alonso, whom he considers one of the leading coaches in the game. He says he has settled into the club and is learning exactly what the Chelsea manager expects from him.

“Xabi is one of the best coaches in the world right now,” said Chavarria. “I am learning a lot and I know that he wants to help me.”

Alonso has encouraged him to play with energy both when attacking and defending. Chavarria has also received support from team-mate Moises Caicedo, who has been helping him learn English while the left-back attends weekly lessons.

He has already experienced the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, making his debut against Fulham before starting the Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town.

“The stadium is incredible,” he said. “I saw a lot of matches on TV when I was a kid. I remember that and now I say: ‘Wow, I’m here’.”

After climbing through the Spanish football pyramid, Chavarria now wants to win silverware with Chelsea and help the club qualify for the Champions League.

“I want to win trophies. This is my goal,” he said.

Although he also hopes to represent Spain, Chavarria insists Chelsea’s achievements must come first.

“First of all, win a trophy, and then go with the national team. But for me, the most important is the club.”

Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Chavarria hoping to help turn the club’s ambitions into victories.

“I think that we will bring victories and the fans will be happy – happy to win some trophies,” he said.