It is official: Chelsea have announced that Xabi Alonso will become the club’s new manager from July 1, and the Spaniard has now explained his decision to join the Blues and his conversations with BlueCo.
Reports emerged immediately after the defeat to Man City in the FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon that Alonso would be announced as Chelsea’s new manager. Alonso is BlueCo’s fifth permanent appointment.
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager!
What are you expecting from Alonso’s first season in charge?
But there is a difference. Alonso has been named as Chelsea manager, not head coach. A clear signal from BlueCo that they are willing to take a step back, with the previous four gaffers given the title head coach.
It is Alonso’s third stint as a senior manager after spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, enjoying success at both clubs only to fall out with Real Madrid’s senior players. He’s signed a four-year contract.
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager are encouraging
There is a genuine feeling among the Chelsea support that Alonso’s appointment beckons a new era. The Spaniard is taking over a side that might not even be in Europe, suggesting he’s in it for the long haul.
Reece James used “stability” when asked what Chelsea need the most. Now, Alonso is confirmed and will take charge in little under six weeks, and for the first time, has spoken to Chelsea’s website as manager.
Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
“Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in world football. It fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” he began. Alonso then shared details of what was said in talks with the Blues owners.
“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,” he continued.
“Fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this 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 has already started wielding newfound Chelsea power
It has been widely reported that Alonso will be given more behind-the-scenes power than any other boss appointed by BlueCo at Chelsea. His CV, his calibre, and his stature in the game deserve such an award.
Has Xabi Alonso chosen the right TWO players to build his Chelsea team around?🤔
Xabi Alonso wants to keep Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The official title given to Alonso proves that. BlueCo have recognised that they cannot continue to rule the roost; they need to give more power to the man in charge. With Alonso ‘manager’, they have done.
According to reports, Alonso has already informed BlueCo that Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella must remain at Stamford Bridge this summer, despite the duo making it clear they would be open to leaving.
But with a fellow countryman joining Cucurella as manager, one of Spain’s best-ever players, and one of the Premier League’s best midfielders tutoring Fernandez, it is easy to imagine both doing a u-turn.
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