Chelsea confirm Xabi Alonso appointment ahead of Sunderland visit | OneFootball

Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract at Stadium Bridge, naming him permanent successor to Liam Rosenior ahead of next weekend’s visit to Sunderland.

His reign begins on the first of July, so interim head coach Calum McFarlane will lead Tuesday’s home game with Tottenham Hotspur and next Sunday’s season-ending trip to the Stadium of Light. The club said in a statement that his arrival reflects belief in his experience, coaching model, leadership, character and integrity, and that he is viewed as an outstanding coach and proven leader.

The announcement will be a lift for supporters after Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

Alonso described Chelsea as one of the biggest clubs, expressed pride at taking charge and spoke of a shared ambition with the ownership and sporting leadership. He set out a plan to build a team that competes consistently at the highest level and for trophies, highlighted the squad’s talent and potential, with the focus on hard work, culture and winning.

The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid head coach, and ex-Liverpool midfielder, has been linked with several high-profile roles in recent months.

Source: Sunderland Echo