Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as its new manager on a four-year deal.
The 44-year-old Spaniard and former Liverpool midfielder returns to management eight months after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent.
Alonso’s arrival comes a day after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.
“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 previously spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 as well as the German Cup.
Chelsea will hope Alonso can bring stability after the club went through two permanent managers this season, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Alonso spent five years in the Premier League with Liverpool, helping the club win the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He also played for Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
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