Chelsea FC have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract.
The former Real Madrid CF coach is expected to officially begin his role on July 1 as Chelsea prepare for a major rebuild ahead of the new season.
Speaking after sealing the appointment, Alonso expressed excitement about taking charge of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.
“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.”
The Spaniard also praised the talent within the current squad and pledged to focus on creating the right environment for success.
“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,” he added.
Alonso emerged as Chelsea’s top managerial target following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April after only three months in charge.
Unlike previous appointments, Alonso will reportedly carry the title of manager instead of head coach, reflecting his broader influence over football operations and squad development at the club.
The announcement came shortly after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City FC in the FA Cup final, where interim manager Calum McFarlane temporarily led the side.
Before Chelsea completed the deal, speculation had linked Alonso with a possible return to Liverpool FC amid growing pressure on manager Arne Slot.
However, Chelsea moved swiftly to secure his signature ahead of other interested clubs.
Several other managers were reportedly considered during the search process, including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Cesc Fabregas and Felipe Luis.
Alonso becomes the fifth permanent managerial appointment under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership era, following the tenures of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.
Chelsea currently sit ninth in the Premier League table and still face uncertainty over European qualification next season. An eighth-place finish could secure UEFA Conference League football, while sixth or seventh may be enough for Europa League qualification.
Alonso enjoyed a highly successful playing career before retiring in 2017, representing clubs such as Liverpool, Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich, while also starring for the Spain national football team.
He began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s youth setup before taking charge of Real Sociedad B and later Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he achieved remarkable success by guiding the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic league-and-cup double during the 2023–24 season.
Alonso later succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid but departed earlier this year following a difficult spell that reportedly included tensions involving Vinicius Junior and a Club World Cup semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain FC.
