Chelsea FC have announced the appointment of former Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach and Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract.
Chelsea said Alonso will officially assume duty on July 1, 2026, after reaching an agreement with the Stamford Bridge club.
The appointment comes after Chelsea suffered defeat to Manchester City F.C. in the FA Cup final and currently sit ninth in the Premier League with two matches left this season.
Alonso gained recognition after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double during the 2023/24 campaign. However, his stint at Real Madrid CF lasted only seven months before his departure in January.
Chelsea hope Alonso can restore the club’s status among Europe’s top sides after eight years without winning a domestic trophy. The club has now appointed six permanent managers within the last four years.
