There is a real feeling of optimism at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea announced the hiring of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager. Surprising, given it is off the back of an FA Cup final defeat.
Chelsea were beaten by Man City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon as Antoine Semenyo scored a stunning goal in the second half. But Chelsea fans’ disappointment was quickly replaced with optimism.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It was a decent performance from Chelsea, matching a City side that have now won the first two trophies of the season. But the real optimism came shortly after full-time, as news emerged around Xabi Alonso.
For weeks, Alonso was touted as Chelsea’s first choice to take over at Stamford Bridge, and now, the Spaniard has been confirmed as Chelsea’s next manager on a four-year deal with the title ‘manager’.
BlueCo confident Alonso can make Chelsea title contenders
Ever since BlueCo arrived at Chelsea, the owners have been unable to make the West London club a title challenger despite the £1.5bn spent on incoming signings. It takes a lot more than money to get it right.
Xabi Alonso addresses media ahead of Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah
Photo by Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images
The right manager, the right mix of signings, a lack of interference from owners who do not have the footballing knowledge of their rivals, but are too stubborn to admit that, for example. Now, they have.
Giving Alonso more power and simply hiring a manager with the calibre of Alonso alone has reignited hope that the Blues can be successful again. According to the Mail, BlueCo foresees a title contender.
The hope is that within three years, Alonso can turn this Chelsea side into a team competing for the Premier League title. It would see him become BlueCo’s longest-serving manager by a huge margin.
Chelsea were concerned about Liverpool moving for Alonso
The speed at which Chelsea have appointed Alonso is perhaps surprising. Earlier this week, Kaveh Solhekol said Chelsea hoped to have a manager in place by the middle of June. Now, it’s confirmed.
DISCUSS: Xabi Alonso can finally make the BlueCo era a success 👀
There were murmurs that Alonso would prefer to join Liverpool, but the Reds had stuck with Arne Slot. Indeed, the Mail’s report claims Chelsea were concerned Liverpool might move, so wrapped it up.
Regardless, Alonso is Chelsea’s new gaffer and will remain until the summer of 2030 if nothing changes. There is a feeling that Alonso could be the start of a new era that finally sees BlueCo become a success.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox