Xabi Alonso makes first huge decision as Chelsea manager
18 May 2026 11:54 BST |
4 min read
Xabi Alonso will bring four coaches with him to Chelsea this summer, while interim boss Calum McFarlane will remain in the first-team set up at Stamford Bridge next season.
Alonso, 44, was officially announced as Chelsea’s new permanent manager on Sunday and he will formally start his duties as Blues boss on 1 July.
The Spaniard established himself as one of the most talented young coaches in the world during a hugely successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, during which time he guided them to their first ever Bundesliga title without losing a match, and his appointment is a major coup for Chelsea.
Alonso spent seven months as Real Madrid boss before his departure in January and The Athletic have confirmed that four members of his backroom staff from his time at the Bernabeu – assistants Sebastian Parrilla, Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien, plus fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez – will follow him to Stamford Bridge.
In addition, McFarlane will remain in the first-team as part of Alonso’s coaching staff, while set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva and goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts will also retain their roles with the west London giants.
Furthermore, it reportedly remains a possibility that Alonso further adds to his backroom staff before the start of next season. The Spaniard will also have a greater say in possible transfers this summer, having become the first ‘manager’ of the BlueCo era at Chelsea.
Calum McFarlane delivers official response to Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Cjelsea manager
When asked about Alonso’s appointment during his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, McFarlane said: “Really exciting news. Great coach with a massive pedigree. We’re all really looking forward to working with Xabi.
“Everyone is excited. He’s a great coach, won major trophies, a great playing career. He will have lots of respect from everyone. We’re very excited.”
He continued: “It doesn’t surprise me (the appointment), we’re a massive club with some of the best players in the world.”
However, McFarlane remained coy when questioned whether he will form part of Alonso’s backroom staff. “I haven’t thought about that. There’s so much to prepare for,” he responded.
McFarlane later added: “He (Alonso) sent me a text message yesterday, I will keep that private, but mainly about the final.”
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