Sports
Chelsea names Xabi Alonso as new manager
Chelsea FC have appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract, with the Spaniard handed the task of reviving the club’s fortunes.
The appointment was confirmed on Sunday, just a day after Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea are also enduring a disappointing Premier League campaign, sitting ninth on the table with only two matches left to play.
Alonso emerged as one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches after leading Bayer 04 Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double during 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.
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