Alonso closes the door on Fernandez exit before saying managing Chelsea ‘honoured’

Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he wants Enzo Fernandez to stay at Chelsea, and he simply said: “Yes” when asked if he hopes to keep the Argentine player at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, with Real Madrid previously thought to be a possible destination, but Alonso appeared to rule that out when he was unveiled as the club’s new manager on Monday.

“We have spoken,” said Alonso. “But, as you understand, what we said will remain confidential.”

Fernandez, who is currently preparing for Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England, is understood to be ready to leave Chelsea.

However, Real Madrid rejected interest in the midfielder last week and the Blues reported that the £120 million fee leaves a few open spots.

Alonso was unveiled as Chelsea’s head coach

Alonso’s support for Fernandez came during his first press conference since taking over from Enzo Maresca following the Spaniard’s departure from Real Madrid in January.

Chelsea’s new boss has also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson is still part of his plans after Bayern Munich opted out of a permanent loan deal.

“Nico Jackson is joining the Asian tour and we are looking forward to him working with us,” said Alonso.

There was little certainty over Alejandro Garnacho’s future, however, as the defender is yet to return to training under the new manager.

Alonso has revealed that an agreement has been reached for Garnacho to stay away from the first team while he looks for a new club, with Roma among the parties interested in signing him.

Chelsea also saw Andrey Santos complete a move to Manchester United just before Alonso faced the media, prompting questions that missing out on European football will force the club to downsize the squad.

“[It changed] small details for sure but the main focus is how we want to start the competition in August, it doesn’t change much,” said Alonso.

“We are with the sports directors in what we want to achieve. The team is good and where we want to strengthen in terms of positions is clear.

“It’s still a few weeks away but we’re working in a very consistent way – and this is the right way.”

‘Privilege and honor’

Speaking in the Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge, Alonso described managing Chelsea as a “privilege and honour” and revealed his reasons for accepting the role.

“The joy is the club, the team and the opportunity, with this ownership, to be in this big club, build relationships with the fans, win games and be successful,” he said.

“I want to enjoy it, to be part of this team and work together with the sports directors, players and staff here.

“We have to make important decisions – the right decisions – but I think the foundations have been laid.

“We have to continue to build the mentality to be able to compete on the field, win games and enjoy doing it.”

Chelsea failed in their bid to qualify for Europe last season following a final day defeat to Sunderland, but Alonso has made it clear that a return to the continental competition remains a priority.

“For sure, that’s the goal,” he said when asked about defending European football.

“But in order to reach that goal, you have to do many things in the right way.

“I will be a part of that program. The way we play, the way we see ourselves and the way we deal with each game is my job, that’s why I’m looking forward to the whole squad being there.

“We’ve just started and these have been great early 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.”