Chelsea F.C. has appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s new team manager on a four-year deal beginning July 1, 2026.
The Premier League club announced the appointment as part of what it described as the next phase of its project at Stamford Bridge, following a turbulent 2025/26 season that saw multiple managerial changes.
Alonso expressed pride at taking charge of one of football’s biggest clubs and said he shares the ownership’s ambition of building a team capable of competing consistently for major honours.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.
“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.”
The former midfielder also pointed to the quality already within the squad and stressed the importance of creating the right environment for success.
“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,” he added.
Chelsea said Alonso’s appointment reflects the club’s confidence in his coaching ability, leadership qualities, and overall football philosophy.
The club described the Spaniard as “an outstanding football coach” and “a proven leader,” adding that his experience, character, and integrity were central to the decision to hand him the role.
Chelsea also stated that the club looks forward “with confidence” to working with Alonso in pursuit of restoring success to Stamford Bridge.
