Why I joined Chelsea —Alonso
Xabi Alonso has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to sign for Chelsea as their new coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Alonso was announced as Chelsea’s new manager on Sunday with a statement on their website.
The statement reads: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men’s team.
“The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed to a four‑year contract at Stamford Bridge.
“One of the most respected figures in the modern game, Alonso arrives at Chelsea having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in their history.”
The former Liverpool player signed a four‑year contract, starting in July.
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The Blues have endured a disastrous campaign, sitting ninth on the Premier League table while also losing 1-0 to Man City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Rosenior was sacked in April after a run of six matches without a goal and a win.
Alonso, who has been tasked with restoring the club’s culture shed more light on his decision to join Chelsea.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Alonso enjoyed a successful three-year spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, guiding them to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 while going on an unbeaten run in all competitions that was ended by Atalanta in the Europa League final.
