Updated 21:38, 16 May 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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\nXabi Alonso has agreed to become the new Chelsea head coach<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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Chelsea have reached an agreement with Xabi Alonso to become the club’s new manager.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January after just seven months at the helm of the Spanish giants, is understood to have agreed a four-year contract at the club. He is set to be announced on either Sunday or Monday.<\/p>\n
Alonso, 44, had been one of a number of coaches on the west London club’s shortlist as they looked for a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior. Having explored the credentials of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, club bosses duly intensified their pursuit of the former Liverpool midfielder.<\/p>\n
And they became encouraged by Alonso’s camp that he was keen to jump into Premier League management at Stamford Bridge – despite his Anfield connections – leading to growing confidence that a deal could be struck.<\/p>\n
Now they have reached an agreement, with Alonso ready to take charge this summer after a visit to the club last week. He will be the SIXTH permanent manager of the Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly era already.<\/p>\n
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! <\/strong>Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/p>\nChelsea fans have been protesting against the ownership and held a massive protest on Wembley way ahead of Saturday’s final, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City. But the owners will hope that the hiring of Alonso, a big name who led Leverkusen to a first-ever German title, going the entire league season unbeaten, will appease supporters and persuade them to stick with the side.<\/p>\n
It also perhaps suggests a slight change of direction on the club’s part, as Alonso will have sought assurances about how hands on he will be in all aspects of team affairs – particularly having been ousted by player power during his short stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.<\/p>\n
Alonso has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool, where he spent five seasons as a player.<\/p>\n
But despite their recent struggles and growing pressure on Arne Slot after a difficult season, the club’s hierarchy are set to stick with the Dutchman.<\/p>\n
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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<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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