Xabi Alonso speaks for the first time as new Chelsea manager

Chelsea new manager, Xabi Alonso, has spoken for the first time following his official confirmation on Sunday, after reports of reaching an agreement with the Blues on Saturday.

Alonso will assume the permanent role at Stamford Bridge, following Liam Rosenior’s sacking in April after a disastrous run of results in the Premier League and Champions League.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager has now signed a permanent deal set to expire in June 2030.

The 44-year-old was the leading contender ahead of the likes of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner, who were all being considered for the Stamford Bridge role.

Speaking after his confirmation as the club’s sixth manager since the BlueCo takeover in 2022, the Spanish manager expressed shared ambition with the club’s hierarchy and their hunger to win more trophies.

“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’s arrival is likely to reignite belief among Chelsea fans, even with his close association with Liverpool and an underwhelming spell at Real Madrid that came to an end amid reported dressing-room tensions.