Xabi Alonso appointed Chelsea manager on four-year deal

Chelsea on Sunday announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract. Alonso will become the sixth permanent manager at Stamford Bridge in the last four years, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea head into a new era after a disappointing campaign that saw them lose the FA Cup final to Manchester City on Saturday and sit ninth in the Premier League with two matches remaining in the season.



"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 earned widespread praise after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double during the 2023/24 campaign, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly-rated young coaches.

However, his stint with Real Madrid CF proved far less successful. Alonso, who was appointed last year, left the Spanish giants in January after just seven months in charge.

The former Spain midfielder now faces the challenge of restoring Chelsea as contenders for major trophies.


Although Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League last year, the club has struggled to justify the massive spending under owners BlueCo since their takeover in 2022 following the end of Roman Abramovich’s era at the club.

Chelsea’s defeat at Wembley on Saturday extended their wait for a domestic trophy to eight seasons.

The club’s ownership has also faced criticism from supporters over its aggressive recruitment strategy focused on signing young talent from around the world.

That approach has produced some success stories, including England international Cole Palmer, but questions remain over the lack of experience in both the squad and coaching staff.

Alonso’s appointment is viewed as a major statement from Chelsea’s owners.

Many Liverpool F.C. supporters had hoped Alonso would return to Anfield, where he starred as a player between 2004 and 2009, to replace the under-pressure Arne Slot.

(With inputs from AFP)

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