Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager ahead of next weekend’s visit to Sunderland.
The former Spain international has been linked with several high profile jobs in recent months after leaving Real Madrid earlier in the season - but he has now been confirmed as permanent successor to Liam Rosenior after penning a four-year contract at Stadium Bridge. However, Alonso’s managerial reign with the Blues will not get underway until 1st July and that means interim head coach Calum McFarlane will remain in charge for Tuesday night’s home game with Tottenham Hotspur and next Sunday’s season-ending visit to the Stadium of Light.
Alonso’s appointment will be a major boost for Chelsea fans in the aftermath of Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat against Manchester City and he has already revealed he is exciting by the ‘huge potential’ within the club.
In a statement posted on the club website, 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.”
Chelsea have also signalled their excitement over the appointment and believe they have appointed ‘a proven leader’ to help them move on from an underwhelming season.
A statement read: “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.”
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