Liverpool legend and former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Chelsea's new manager on a four-year contract. The Premier League club announced the appointment in a statement, expressing confidence in his leadership and coaching abilities.
Official Announcement
Chelsea Football Club released a statement saying: 'Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men's team. The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.'
The club highlighted Alonso's credentials: 'One of the most respected figures in the modern game, Alonso arrives at Chelsea having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in their history.'
The statement also noted that his appointment 'reflects the Club's belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea's journey.'
Alonso's Ambition
Explaining his decision to take the Chelsea job, 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.'
He added: '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.'
Alonso's appointment marks a significant move for Chelsea as they aim to return to the top of English and European football. The Spaniard brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, as well as his managerial stints at Real Madrid's B team and Bayer Leverkusen.
More to follow on this developing story.
