Xabi Alonso breaks silence after official appointment as Chelsea manager

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as the club’s first-team manager. The Blues confirmed they have agreed a four-year contract with Alonso.

The Blues confirmed the appointment through their social media networks. They also confirmed he will take charge on July 1, 2026. He will replace caretaker coach Calum McFarlane. In a statement, the club said:

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.

On his appointment, the incoming boss, Xabi Alonso, 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.”

After their loss in the FA Cup final to Manchester City, the Blues will take on Tottenham on May 19 (Tuesday) as they look to secure European qualification. The Blues currently sit in 9th in the Premier League table with 49 points, 2 points behind 8th-place Brentford. They will finish the season with a trip to Sunderland on the final day of the season (May 24).

Chelsea identify potential first signing under Xabi Alonso: Reports

Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The 30-year-old keeper was close to joining the Blues last summer after accepting an offer from the Blues in 2025, before the move fell through due to discrepancies in the asking fee.

The Blues are reportedly keen to reinforce the squad with an upgrade on current shot-stopper Robert Sanchez. They see Maignan as a viable option to replace the Spanish keeper as the number 1 of the club.