Published on
18/05/2026 - 6:23 GMT+2
Chelsea hired Xabi Alonso as manager on Sunday on a four-year deal starting with the beginning of next season, with the Spaniard returning to coaching after a short, rocky spell at Real Madrid and tasked with bringing stability to a club that has become dysfunctional under its new American ownership.
Alonso will formally take charge on 1 July as the replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month, and will become the fifth permanent coach appointed by Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since they bought the Premier League team in 2022.
Alonso lasted just eight months at Real Madrid before leaving the Spanish giants by mutual consent in January after poor results and widespread media reports that he lost control of a locker room wracked by infighting and disharmony this season.
