Chelsea has appointed former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as its manager. He signed a four-year contract that begins in July. This decision marks the club's third permanent manager in a single year.
Alonso, 44, was available after leaving Real Madrid. He departed by mutual agreement in January. He had a three-year contract there. Before that, he managed Bayer Leverkusen for three years. He led them to their first Bundesliga title in 2024. He also won the German Cup with them. Alonso's arrival comes one day after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final. They were beaten by Manchester City. The club hopes he will bring stability. They have had two permanent managers this season. Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were in charge. Calum McFarlane is the interim boss. He will continue for the last two league games.
Chelsea is a huge club in world football. Xabi Alonso stated it fills him with pride. He spoke of conversations with the ownership group. He said they share the same ambition for the club. They want to build a team that competes at the highest level. They aim to fight for trophies. Alonso sees great talent in the squad. He believes the club has huge potential. He called it his great honour to lead them. He stressed the need for hard work. Building the right culture and winning trophies are key. This is a significant move for a club that has seen much change. In the 2023-2024 season, Chelsea finished ninth in the Premier League. They narrowly missed out on European qualification.
Alonso played in the Premier League for Liverpool. He spent five years there. He helped them win the Champions League in 2005. He also played for Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He represented Spain 114 times. He won the 2010 World Cup. He also won the European Championship twice. "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," Alonso said. He also noted, "There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it."
Alonso is reportedly keen to move to London. He is enthusiastic about the Chelsea role. He is ready for a top-level club job again. This comes six months after leaving Real. Any initial concerns about the ownership's project have been eased. Alonso had recently been linked with Liverpool. Pressure was on their manager, Arne Slot. Alonso faces a tough task. He must revive Chelsea's fortunes. The club needs to qualify for the Champions League. They also want to win trophies. He might have to do this without European football next season. Chelsea needs to finish at least eighth. This would secure a spot in the Conference League.