{"id":9511,"date":"2026-05-17T06:16:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9511"},"modified":"2026-05-17T06:16:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:16:21","slug":"xabi-alonso-to-be-manager-at-chelsea-rather-than-head-coach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9511","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso to be manager at Chelsea rather than head coach"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea gave Xabi Alonso the title of manager rather than head coach because they were impressed with his leadership qualities according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.<\/p>\n

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Following Saturday\u2019s FA Cup final defeat against Manchester City at Wembley it was reported the Blues had reached an agreement in principle with Alonso.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard has reportedly agreed a four year deal until 2030, with Chelsea expected to officially announce Alonso on Sunday morning. <\/p>\n

Chelsea give Xabi Alonso title of manager<\/h2>\n

Alonso was Chelsea\u2019s preferred candidate, with Andoni Iraola the second choice, and it\u2019s thought Chelsea\u2019s players are excited by the appointment.<\/p>\n

The 44-year-old will certainly command the respect of the dressing room given his playing career, and what he\u2019s done to date in his managerial career.<\/p>\n

Alonso will start work on July 1st 2026, and unlike Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior he\u2019s been given the title of manager rather than head coach, and Solhekol has explained why.<\/p>\n

\u201cChelsea will play different formations under Alonso,\u201d he told Sky Sports News as quoted on X.com.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cT<\/span>hey expect to sign three to four players this summer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChelsea gave Alonso the title of a manager because they were impressed with his leadership qualities. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior <\/span>Real Madrid figures also gave glowing references. Andoni Iraola also made a real impact and was impressive in conversations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a <\/span>preferred source on Google <\/span>to make us a favourite and see more of our content.<\/em><\/p>\n

In other news\u2026<\/h2>\n

Mike Penders is in contention to be Chelsea\u2019s number one next season after impressing on loan at Strasbourg this season.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea have a decision to make between the sticks, and were recently linked with Mike Maignan again, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see what decision they make.<\/p>\n

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips\u2019 SPTC podcast here:<\/em><\/p>\n