Chelsea FC have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract, with the Spaniard set to begin work on July 1.
After sealing the deal, Xabi Alonso said: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
The former Real Madrid coach was the club’s first choice after the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April following just three months in charge. Alonso will hold the title of manager rather than head coach, reflecting his wider role in shaping the club.
The announcement came shortly after Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, when interim boss Calum McFarlane led the side.
Alonso’s availability had sparked speculation about a return to Liverpool amid pressure on Arne Slot, but Chelsea moved quickly to secure his appointment.
Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva were among the candidates considered, along with Oliver Glasner, Cesc Fabregas and Felipe Luis.
Alonso becomes the fifth permanent managerial appointment of the BlueCo ownership era after Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.
Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League and face the possibility of missing European football next season. An eighth-place finish would secure Conference League qualification, while sixth or seventh could bring a Europa League place.
Alonso retired from playing in 2017 after spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and the Spain national team. He began coaching with Real Madrid’s youth side before managing Real Sociedad B and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a league and cup double in 2023-24.
He later succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid but left in January after a difficult spell that included a Club World Cup semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and reported tensions involving Vinicius Junior.
