Chelsea Appoints Xabi Alonso as Manager on Four-Year Deal

Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as its new manager on a four-year contract starting in July. The 44-year-old Spaniard was available after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, less than eight months into a three-year contract.

Alonso previously spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the German club to its first Bundesliga title in 2024 as well as the German Cup. Confirmation of his arrival comes a day after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City. The club had two permanent managers this season before the latest change.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," said Alonso. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition.

" "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 spent five years in the Premier League with Liverpool, helping them win the Champions League in 2005. He also played for Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and made 114 appearances for Spain. Chelsea currently sit ninth in the Premier League and need to finish at least eighth to qualify for the Conference League.