00:00A new chapter in Xabi Alonso's coaching career has begun at Chelsea,
00:04but his first major press conference has also answered questions about Liverpool
00:08and why he did not return to Anfield as manager of the club, where he won major honours.
00:13Alonso said his decision to join Chelsea was about timing
00:17and that he's focused on the challenge ahead in West London now.
00:20The Spaniard began work at Stamford Bridge last week
00:23and has outlined his plans for success with the Blues.
00:26His comments came after he was asked why he chose Chelsea rather than Liverpool,
00:31where he enjoyed a successful playing career and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005.
00:37Alonso said the opportunity at Chelsea arrived at the right time.
00:41Liverpool had been linked with Alonso before his appointment,
00:44but there was no contact between the club and their former midfielder
00:47before he joined Chelsea, according to the BBC.
00:51Liverpool later made the decision to part ways with Arna Schlott
00:54after a trophy-less second season overall.
00:57The new Liverpool manager is Andoni Irreola,
01:00a childhood friend of Alonso's from Spain, who shares the same agent.
01:04Meanwhile, Alonso says Chelsea must show hunger and ambition
01:08as he aims to build a competitive team capable of competing at top level.
01:13Premier League is the most competitive league in the world right now.
01:17It is a challenge to come here.
01:18It is a challenge to in my managerial career,
01:22but really excited about improving and learning to get there.
Comments