When is Xabi Alonso's first game as Chelsea manager? | OneFootball

First opponent has already been confirmed with an early derby scheduled

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso has their new manager, but fans will have to wait to see him take charge of a game.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen has signed a four-year deal to succeed Liam Rosenior as the club's permanent manager.

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane is currently taking charge of the first team for the second time this season.

The Under-21s coach first oversaw matters for two games between Enzo Maresca's firing and Rosenior's appointment, and was put back in charge following the latter's dismissal in April.

McFarlane was at the time promoted to first-team duties until the end of the season, and navigated the club into the FA Cup final in his first game back at the helm.

That stance has not changed with Alonso's appointment. The incoming new manager's four-year deal will not begin until July 1, so McFarlane will oversee Chelsea's final two games of the season; at home to Tottenham and away at Sunderland.

That means Alonso's first game as Chelsea manager will be against Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney on July 28.

He will then face Tottenham in the same Australian city on August 1, before games against Juventus and AC Milan in Hong Kong and Jakarta, respectively.