Xabi Alonso reveals Chelsea ‘ambition’ after Liverpool legend becomes manager

Liverpool legend and former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager on a four-year contract.

Alonso, 44, emerged as Chelsea’s top managerial target after they sacked Liam Rosenior last month.

Chelsea only appointed Rosenior in January following Enzo Maresca’s departure but the ex-Strasbourg boss was axed after just 106 days in charge.

A deal for Alonso initially felt unlikely given his allegiances to Liverpool and the possibility of him returning to Anfield as Arne Slot’s replacement.

But Liverpool have decided to give Slot more time following a dismal Premier League title defence and Alonso was convinced to take the Chelsea job.

Chelsea is Alonso’s fourth managerial role following his spells at Real Sociedad, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

As a player the Spaniard established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning the Champions League at Liverpool before doing the same at Madrid.

‘Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men’s team,’ the Premier League club said in a statement.

‘The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four‑year contract at Stamford Bridge.

‘One of the most respected figures in the modern game, Alonso arrives at Chelsea having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in their history.

‘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.’

Explaining his decision to take the Chelsea 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.’

Following three years in charge of Real Sociedad B, Alonso enjoyed a brilliant spell at Bayer Leverkusen where he helped the German club win a stunning Bundesliga title.

Leverkusen went unbeaten domestically in 2023-24 under Alonso, claiming their first ever league title and first DFB-Pokal trophy since 1993.

Alonso was unable to build on that success at Real Madrid, leaving the La Liga giants after just seven months following an underwhelming spell.

His new club Chelsea won the Club World Cup under Maresca last summer but have endured a miserable season, slipping to ninth in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s misery continued on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Interim manager Calum McFarlane will take charge of Chelsea’s last two games of the season, a London derby against Tottenham on Tuesday night and a trip to Sunderland on the final day.

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