Chelsea names Xabi Alonso as new manager with a four-year contract

Xabi Alonso, the Spanish coach of Real Madrid, was seen gesturing on the touchline during a Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 20, 2025.

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Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as the club's manager on a four-year deal, with the announcement made on Sunday, May 17, tasking the Spaniard with revitalizing the club's fortunes.

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The appointment comes after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City on Saturday, and the team currently lies ninth in the Premier League with only two games remaining in the campaign.

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Xabi Alonso gained recognition as one of Europe's most promising coaches after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive unbeaten German league and cup double in the 2023/24 season.

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However, his tenure as Real Madrid's coach was short-lived, lasting only seven months, after being appointed last year and departing the Spanish giants in January.

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Chelsea confirmed the appointment in a statement, saying "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager of the men's team", and that he will begin his role on July 1, 2026, after agreeing to a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

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Xabi Alonso faces a significant challenge in restoring Chelsea's competitiveness for major honours, as the team has not won a domestic trophy in eight seasons despite substantial investment in the transfer market.