Xabi Alonso hired by Chelsea on 4-year deal in return to coaching after Real Madrid disappointment

Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract, effective July 1st. This marks Alonso's return to management after a brief and unsuccessful eight-month tenure at Real Madrid. He replaces Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month. Alonso previously achieved significant success at Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to a league title and an unbeaten domestic season. Chelsea's ownership, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, views Alonso as a respected figure with the ambition to compete at the highest level and fight for trophies. The club faces financial challenges and is unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Chelsea Football Club has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year deal, effective July 1st. Alonso, a former coach for Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, replaces Liam Rosenior following a challenging season for the Premier League club. He expressed immense pride in managing Chelsea, citing shared ambitions with the ownership group to build a team capable of competing at the highest level and fighting for trophies. Alonso's return to English football comes after a successful playing career, including time at Liverpool. This marks the fifth permanent managerial appointment under Chelsea's current ownership.