Xabi Alonso excited after joining Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has spoken of his pride and excitement after being unveiled as Chelsea’s new head coach, describing the opportunity to lead one of English football’s biggest clubs as a “great honour” in his first official interview since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

The former Spain international, who arrives with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches, said he is eager to begin work with his new squad and help build a team capable of competing for major honours

‘Firstly, I want to say thank you to everyone for the welcome,’ Alonso explains in his opening answer. ‘The excitement (for taking the job) is very simple, it’s the club, the squad, and the opportunity to come to this great club.

‘I want to be part of this club, working together with the sporting directors, with the players and with the staff around me in Cobham.

‘We want to create excitement (in the team), to have that bond with the supporters and to win games and be successful. I see this as a club with great potential. There is a strong base here already and now we want to keep building to ensure we are competitive on the pitch.’

‘The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world right now,’ added the Spaniard.

‘It’s a challenge to come here, to come back to the league, in my managerial career but one I’m really excited about accepting and improving and learning together.

‘The history of Chelsea is there (for all to see). Not just because of the success, but because of all the great players that they have played here and so many great managers that have been here.

‘I feel really honoured and privileged (to be here) and I can’t wait to get to work.’

CHELSEA supporters have welcomed the appointment with optimism, hoping Alonso can guide the team back into contention at the top of the Premier League while restoring the club’s reputation as one of Europe’s elite.

With excitement building around Stamford Bridge, Alonso now turns his attention to translating his vision into results as he embarks on one of the biggest managerial challenges of his career.

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