{"id":10157,"date":"2026-05-18T16:07:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T16:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10157"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T16:07:19","slug":"xabi-alonso-gets-chelsea-job-title-saved-for-jose-mourinho-as-blueco-make-major-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10157","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso gets Chelsea job title saved for Jose Mourinho as BlueCo make major change"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_01dda3\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Xabi Alonso has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will start his role on July 1<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque\" data-testid=\"byline-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"Byline_author-badge-date-wrapper__Q7jj1\">\n<p><span class=\"\" data-testid=\"byline-publishedDate\">10:28, 17 May 2026<\/span><span class=\"ArticleTimestamp_updated-date__7qD4Q ArticleTimestamp_updated-date-with-published__iFKpF\" data-testid=\"byline-updatedDate\">Updated 11:43, 17 May 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33960727\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Xabi Alonso at a press conference\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960727.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Xabi-Alonso-File-Photo.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960727.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Xabi-Alonso-File-Photo.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960727.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Xabi-Alonso-File-Photo.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960727.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Xabi-Alonso-File-Photo.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager rather than head coach\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager rather than head coach<cite aria-label=\"Image: Peter Byrne\/PA Wire.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Peter Byrne\/PA Wire.)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager. The former Real Madrid boss has a different title from previous head coaches at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Spaniard <u>has signed a four-year contract with the Blues<\/u> which will start on July 1. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane will lead the team for the final two Premier League games of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Alonso will be the sixth permanent boss under the ownership of BlueCo. But he is the first to hold the title of &#8216;manager&#8217; instead of &#8216;head coach&#8217;, a job name that was last used at Chelsea by Jose Mourinho in 2013. It indicates that the club will hand over more control to Alonso over off the pitch matters, including transfers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"\/><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sources indicate that the club <u>believe that Alonso deserves the title<\/u> given his track record in football. Before joining Real last summer, the former midfielder led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2023\/24, with the side enjoying an unbeaten season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 44-year-old is expected to be heavily part of plans for the summer transfer window. He will be part of the process in identifying transfer targets over the summer as they look to strengthen the squad.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Alonso has a strong alignment with the Chelsea board, which was clear from the first conversation between the parties.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33960728\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33960728\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.41\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Xabi Alonso during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal.\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960728.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Real-Madrid-CF-v-Al-Hilal-Group-H-FIFA-Club-World-Cup-2025.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960728.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Real-Madrid-CF-v-Al-Hilal-Group-H-FIFA-Club-World-Cup-2025.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960728.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Real-Madrid-CF-v-Al-Hilal-Group-H-FIFA-Club-World-Cup-2025.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33960728.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Real-Madrid-CF-v-Al-Hilal-Group-H-FIFA-Club-World-Cup-2025.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Xabi Alonso will start his managers role at Chelsea in the summer.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Xabi Alonso will start his managers role at Chelsea in the summer.<cite aria-label=\"Image: Dan Mullan\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Dan Mullan\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Speaking following his appointment, the Spaniard said: &#8220;Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article29681384.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Alonso replaces Liam Rosenior in the dugout at Stamford Bridge. The former Strasbourg boss lasted just 23 games in charge at the club and was sacked following a 3-0 defeat against Brighton in April.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xabi Alonso has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will start his role&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10158,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10157","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10157","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10157"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10157\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10157"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}