XABI ALONSO appointed Chelsea manager on four-year deal from one July 2026 | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has been appointed Chelsea manager on a four-year deal, starting on one July 2026, the club said in a statement.

He will operate as manager, not head coach, with influence on areas beyond the pitch such as recruitment. The move comes after a period of churn, with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior both dismissed. The decision reflects confidence in his experience, playing model, leadership and integrity, and a drive to maximise younger players.

Many expected him to head for Anfield, but he will instead enter English football with Chelsea. Four months after leaving Real Madrid, having been dismissed on 12 January following inconsistent results and dressing-room tensions, he will take charge at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso’s reputation was forged in Germany, where he led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, achieved without defeat.

He becomes the sixth permanent manager under BlueCo ownership, succeeding Rosenior after a 107-day tenure. The announcement came hours after the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Under BlueCo, only one coach has lasted more than a year, Enzo Maresca.

The absence of European football is not regarded as a problem, echoing his first full season in Germany when Leverkusen contested only domestic competitions.

Source: Superdeporte