McFarlane says Alonso appointment exciting for Chelsea | OneFootball

Calum McFarlane has said everyone at Chelsea is excited by the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager.

Alonso’s appointment was confirmed this week with the Spaniard set to take charge in the summer.

The 44-year-old arrives with a fine reputation, having masterminded Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win in 2023/24. Leverkusen had never previously won the Bundesliga and achieved the feat without losing a game.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, McFarlane said the imminent arrival of Alonso has created excitement.

“Yeah, I think everyone at the club is excited. Like I said, a great coach, had a really good career so far, won major trophies, great playing career, will have a lot of respect from everyone and it’s a really exciting appointment from the club.”

McFarlane is set to stay on as part of Alonso’s backroom staff at Chelsea. The interim coach has said he has ‘enjoyed the challenge’ of taking the senior role, but is hopeful he can conclude his reign with victories.

A win for Chelsea would move the Blues into eighth, a position that will secure European football for next season.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge. I’ve enjoyed the pressure. It’s easier when you win games rather than losing games, but yeah, I’ve enjoyed it and we’re ready for the game tomorrow.”

Read – Alonso eyes £80m midfielder as first Chelsea signing

See more – Chelsea name Xabi Alonso as head coach on four-year deal

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