Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s manager on Sunday on a four-year deal with the Spaniard the latest coach tasked with turning around the club’s fortunes.
The Blues lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City on Saturday and lie ninth in the Premier League with two games of the campaign to go.
Alonso rose to prominence as one of Europe’s brightest coaches by guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten German league and cup double in the 2023/24 season.
However, he lasted just seven months in the Real Madrid hotseat. Appointed last year, he departed the Spanish giants in January.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager of the men’s team,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.”
Alonso faces a huge task to get Chelsea back in the running for major honours.
Defeat at Wembley on Saturday means they have now gone eight seasons without a domestic trophy despite huge investment in the transfer market.
Speaking in an interview with Chelsea’s official website, Alonso said his focus will be on building a strong work ethic, establishing the right team culture, and delivering trophies for the club.
“There is great talent in the Chelsea squad, and it’ll be my great honour to lead it,” he said. “Now my focus is on hard work, the right culture and winning trophies.”
The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach was appointed after Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
The 44-year-old will officially begin his role on July 1, 2026, after signing a four-year contract with the west London side.
