Chelsea appoint new manager on four-year deal

Chelsea Football Club has appointed former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as manager of its men’s team.

The Spaniard will take charge at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026, on a four-year contract.

Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to the first Bundesliga title in the German club’s history, arrives at Chelsea as one of the most decorated coaches in European football.

The club, in a statement released on Sunday said his appointment reflected its confidence in his coaching quality, game model, leadership attributes and integrity.

Speaking on his appointment, Alonso said Chelsea’s ambition aligned with his own.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.

“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies,” Alonso said.

He said he was eager to begin work at the club.

“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies,” he said.

The club said it regarded Alonso not only as an outstanding football coach but also as a proven leader across areas essential to driving the team forward.

Chelsea said it looked forward to the next phase of the club’s journey with Alonso, describing success at Stamford Bridge as a hallmark of the club’s history and future.