Chelsea name Xabi Alonso as head coach on four-year deal
Chelsea have officially appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach on a four-year deal starting in July 2026. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder has built a strong coaching reputation, most recently leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title. Alonso expressed pride in joining a club with significant talent and ambitions to compete for major trophies.
- ▪Xabi Alonso has signed a four-year contract to become Chelsea's new head coach, starting in July 2026.
- ▪Alonso previously managed Bayer Leverkusen, guiding them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.
- ▪He played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 but has never before managed a Premier League club.
- ▪Alonso described Chelsea as one of the biggest clubs in world football and emphasized shared ambitions with the club's leadership.
- ▪This marks Chelsea's latest high-profile managerial appointment as they aim to build a consistent title-contending team.
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