Chelsea Football Club has officially confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spanish tactician will assume his duties on July 1, 2026, after signing a four-year contract with the London club.
The announcement was made via the club's official social media account on Sunday, stating: 'Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team. The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi.'
Alonso expressed his excitement about the new challenge, saying: '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.'
Chelsea, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League standings, had been searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April after just three months in charge. Alonso, a former Real Madrid boss and ex-Liverpool midfielder, was the club's top target. He will hold the title of manager rather than head coach, reflecting his experience and the significant role he will play in developing all aspects of the club.
Alonso had been without a job since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, just seven months into his tenure. As a player, he won the Champions League twice and also led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season in 2023/24. He becomes the fifth permanent appointment under the BlueCo ownership, following Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Rosenior.
