Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso On Four-Year Contract As New Era Begins At Stamford Bridge

The former Spanish midfielder takes charge after emerging as one of Europe’s most sought-after managers, with Chelsea hoping he can lead the club back into Premier League and Champions League contention.

The Spaniard, who spent time at Liverpool as a player, was relieved of his duties after just eight months at Madrid.

Alonso enjoyed huge success in Germany, where he managed Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title and German Cup.

Chelsea will now be looking for some stability after already parting ways with two head coaches this season with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior leaving their roles earlier this season.

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

“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.

“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.”

The former midfielder spent half a decade on Merseyside with Liverpool and was an integral part of their UEFA Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005. He also played for Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

He also made 114 appearances for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship twice.

Alonso is expected to be in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to watch his side take on Tottenham Hotspur in what will be a crucial game in Spurs’ hopes to remain in the Premier League.

Current Premier League bosses Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner were some of the other coaches on Chelsea’s shortlist, with Iraola understood to have particularly impressed.