SOCCER: Chelsea's new boss Alonso demands hunger and passion ahead of Premier League campaign

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he wants to see more hunger, passion, and a desire to improve from his players as he prepares for his first Premier League season in charge.

Chelsea finished 10th in the league last season after a disappointing trophyless campaign and missed out on European competition.

"We need hunger, passion, we need to want to improve," Alonso told reporters on Monday.

"The Premier League is so competitive. We need to prepare ourselves, we need to be determined in the details, in how we want to play. But the most important bit is our game."

Squad changes

Alonso also discussed the future of winger Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continue to reshape their squad.

"There is interest in him from other clubs, so let's see how this develops. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties," Alonso said.

Garnacho struggled for form after joining Chelsea from Manchester United, scoring just one Premier League goal in 24 appearances last season.

Alonso declined to provide details about midfielder Enzo Fernandez's long-term future but said he had spoken with the Argentina international and hoped to keep him at the club.

Chelsea have made only one major signing so far in the transfer window, bringing in right-back Marco Palestra from Serie A side Atalanta on a deal that runs until 2033.

"He has many great qualities for modern football. He can play in a back four or a back five, on the left. We need to keep working with him to adapt to the Premier League. He has a great mentality in terms of competitiveness and his hunger," Alonso said.

Chelsea also completed the sale of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos earlier on Monday.

Alonso said Chelsea's absence from European competition next season would not significantly change his plans for the new campaign.

"Small details, for sure, but the main focus for how we want to start in August does not change much," he said.

"We are working with the sporting directors. What we need to reinforce is clear, but we are working on it."

Alonso's appointment marks his return to English football. The Spaniard made 210 appearances for Liverpool before joining Real Madrid in 2009 and later ended his playing career at Bayern Munich in 2017.

He began his coaching career in Real Madrid's academy before taking charge of Real Sociedad's reserve team.

After an impressive spell with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso spent seven months as Real Madrid manager before leaving by mutual agreement in January following a poor run of results.

At Chelsea, Alonso inherits a team looking for stability after a turbulent campaign in which the club changed managers twice, with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior both leaving their posts. Rosenior was dismissed in April after a run of seven defeats in eight matches across all competitions.

The 44-year-old Alonso said one of his priorities is to establish a clear identity and unite the squad ahead of the new season.

"To be part of that process, how we want to play, how we want to approach a game, that's my goal," Alonso said. "That's what I am looking forward to with the whole squad."

Chelsea will begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 24. -Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters