👀 I still have scars: Xabi Alonso on his Real Madrid exit | OneFootball

Spanish coach Xabi Alonso has officially taken charge of Chelsea, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in the Premier League. At 44, after a brief spell at Real Madrid and his historic unbeaten campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, the Tolosa-born manager is fully motivated to lead the London club’s project.

Self-criticism after his spell at the Bernabéu

Speaking to The Athletic, Alonso reflected maturely on his departure from the Madrid club and said the experience served as a learning process for his professional development:

An unprecedented role and a shared vision

The tactician is taking on a role never before seen at the British institution, serving as both head coach and sporting director. The board has already made a major investment in signings — including the arrival of “Colo” Barco — to build a competitive squad for the new season.

Alonso explained that their shared assessment of the team’s potential was the decisive factor in signing his contract, guided by a mix of heart and instinct to take Chelsea back to the top of European football.

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📸 DAVID GRAY - AFP or licensors