Xabi Alonso has said he excited by the challenge of managing Chelsea in 'the most competitive league in the world'.
Alonso has officially been unveiled as Chelsea's new manager, following his appointment in May. The Spaniard has started work in West London as he inherits a Chelsea team that endured a disappointing Premier League campaign last term.
In a season that featured two different head coaches, Chelsea slumped to a 10th-place finish. It was Chelsea's second-lowest Premier League finish in the last 30 years.
Alonso returns to English football having spent five seasons of his playing career at Liverpool. The 44-year-old is excited by the challenge at Chelsea, and competing again in a domestic division that he regards as the most competitive in world football.
"The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world right now," Alonso said at his first press conference.
"It’s a challenge to come here, to come back to the league, in my managerial career but one I’m really excited about accepting and improving and learning together.
"The history of Chelsea is there [for all to see]. Not just because of the success, but because of all the great players that they have played here and so many great managers that have been here.
"I feel really honoured and privileged [to be here] and I can’t wait to get to work."
Alonso arrives at Stamford Bridge with a promising reputation, having led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2023/24.
That success was Leverkusen's maiden German title, as Alonso's side became the first team in history to win the Bundesliga unbeaten. Their campaign included a record-breaking 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions, the longest in European history since the introduction of UEFA club competitions.
Alonso also managed Real Madrid prior to his move to Chelsea, departing by mutual consent in January after less than eight months in charge.