ITS OFFICIAL!!! New Approach As Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso As Manager [PHOTO]
XABI ALONSO has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new permanent manager after agreeing a four-year deal.
Alonso, 44, will officially start work on July 1 – just in time for pre-season.
Upon securing the 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.
“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 2026 FA Cup finalists took to their official website to announce their new era under the Spaniard.
The statement read: “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.
“He is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team.
“Chelsea Football Club looks forward with confidence to the next phase in collaboration with Xabi, united in the determination to bring success to Stamford Bridge, a hallmark of the Club’s history and future.”
With his announcement, the former Real Madrid boss is the SIXTH permanent manager named under the BlueCo regime.
He replaces Liam Rosenior‘s ill-fated 107-day spell in charge, and arrives shortly after the club’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
The Spaniard had been linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool, where he starred during his playing career.
However, rather than the Red of Anfield he has opted for the Blue of Stamford Bridge.
