Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as manager | OneFootball

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager starting from next season.

The former Liverpool midfielder has been without a club since his departure from Real Madrid earlier in the season, having previously led Bayer Leverkusen to unexpected glory in an unbeaten league campaign.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," the 44-year-old said on his appointment.

"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."

Alonso has signed a four year contract with the Blues who began the current campaign with Enzo Maresca in charge before bringing in Liam Rosenior for an ill-fated spell.

After defeat in the FA Cup final on Saturday, Chelsea have two league games remaining under caretaker boss Calum McFarlane, hosting rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening before facing Sunderland away on the final day of the Premier League season.