Xabi Alonso speaks for first time on being appointed as Chelsea’s new manager

Xabi Alonso speaks for first time on being appointed as Chelsea’s new manager, a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked in April.

An agreement has been completed for the 44 year old, who visited London early last week, taking up the role, on a four-year contract.

Alonso had been the club’s top target, with the search narrowed down, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva also included in the three-man shortlist.

Alonso had been available following his departure from Real Madrid by mutual consent back in January, less than eight months into a three-year contract.

He has also previously had a three year spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, guiding then to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, and German Cup champions.

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.

The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 17, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men’s team.

The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four‑year contract at Stamford Bridge.

One of the most respected figures in the modern game, Alonso arrives at Chelsea having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in their history.

His appointment reflects the Club’s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea’s journey.

He is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team.

On his appointment, Xabi said: ‘Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.

‘From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.

‘There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.’

Chelsea Football Club looks forward with confidence to the next phase in collaboration with Xabi, united in the determination to bring success to Stamford Bridge, a hallmark of the Club’s history and future.

Chelsea fans protest against their club owners outside Wembley prior to FA Cup Final

Here’s how fans reacted as Xabi Alonso speaks for first time on being appointed as Chelsea’s new manager…

@93_vili: John Terry needs to be part of the Xabi’s backroom staff!! It’s more than needed #chelsea #cfc

@Thompsettluke: What an amazing appointment best since Tuchel!! Pls allow him to sign so world class adults not kids!!!!

@JoeW192911: 🔵 Xabi Alonso would instantly bring to Chelsea is a stronger mentality. His teams play with calmness, confidence and control in big moments, something Chelsea have badly lacked for a long time. That belief and composure could completely change this squad mentally. Massive pickup by Chelsea. Xabi Alonso is the best managerial appointment available and exactly the type of figure this club needed. Elite mentality, tactical identity and leadership. This feels like a huge statement from Chelsea Football Club. #CFC

@CFCMods: Xabi Alonso wanted Chelsea. He will become manager not just head coach, he will have a full pre season, he will have a big say in the transfers we sign. We have one full season where he can just focus on the league and domestic cups. It’s perfect, it’s beautiful.

@devsbluearmy: This is spot on. I think the whole culture around the club will change. The owners already know the SDs are more like scouts where they’ve had to step in to secure Enzo / Mudryk. Everyone will respect Alonso for what he’s achieved. He can be as powerful as Pep is at City

@dave__kj: Get us back to the top Xabi. This has been a disastrous season.

@UpTheVillaLad: Could be a great manager for Chelsea at the right time. Look at what Xabi Alonso did at Leverkusen – took them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title + German Cup, instilled real structure and fight. But Chelsea are a weird club to manage right now. Way too many players, some top class talent mixed with inexperience, and almost zero senior leadership. If they finally give him proper control (I doubt it) to trim the squad and build culture, he could make it work. Without that? Same chaos as before. Big risk, big reward. #Chelsea #XabiAlonso

@scott_thompson1: Couldn’t be happier. He was by far the ONLY candidate that we should have been talking to. And enough of this head coach bullshit. XABI ALONSO. CHELSEA MANAGER. #CFC 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

@JamesB25CFC: Xavi Alonso to Chelsea is the first genuine appointment that I’ve been excited about under BlueCo. Hopefully it’s the start of them admitting they have got it wrong at Chelsea. It’s time to back him, put this season at the back of our minds and move forward.

@b3ndsouthgat344 (replying to SOCobhamPod): As someone said on the last pod, this seems far too sensible for these owners but we will wait and see. Unfortunately the squad will still need an overhaul with so much dead wood hanging around and lack of quality

@willreyner: Back him properly. Get rid of a lot of the deadwood and I reckon this can work out. Welcome gaffer

@joekrishnan: I’m going to say this quietly: Chelsea might’ve just taken the first step towards becoming a serious club again. #cfc