Event
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as its new manager on a four-year contract. Alonso, a Spaniard, will replace interim manager Calum McFarlane on 1 July, taking charge of the final two matches of the season against Tottenham and Sunderland. The appointment follows the sacking of Liam Rosenior less than a month ago. Alonso previously won the Champions League twice as a player with Liverpool and Real Madrid, and led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double as manager.
3 published stories · chelsea · source reliability 75%
The 44-year-old leaves Real Madrid by mutual consent to take charge at Stamford Bridge, following the club’s FA Cup final defeat and the recent sacking of Liam Rosenior.
Alonso departs Real Madrid to take charge at Stamford Bridge, succeeding Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior in a move aimed at restoring consistent top-level competition.
The 44-year-old Spaniard leaves Real Madrid by mutual consent to take charge at Stamford Bridge, with his contract commencing in July.
Background
Chelsea Football Club has appointed Xabi Alonso as its new manager on a four-year contract, effective from 1 July. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who recently departed Real Madrid by mutual consent, succeeds Enzo Maresca and interim caretaker Calum McFarlane. Alonso’s appointment follows Chelsea’s defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and the recent sacking of Liam Rosenior. The club described the move as a "coup," citing Alonso’s leadership, integrity, and previous success, including an unbeaten domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso will take charge of the final two matches of the current season against Tottenham and Sunderland, with McFarlane serving as caretaker manager in the interim.
Chelsea Football Club has appointed Xabi Alonso as its new manager on a four-year contract, effective from 1 July. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who recently departed Real Madrid by mutual consent, succeeds Enzo Maresca and interim caretaker Calum McFarlane. Alonso’s appointment foll
Fact cards
Key entities: Chelsea Football Club, Xabi Alonso, Calum McFarlane, Tottenham, Sunderland, Liam Rosenior, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool.
When does Xabi Alonso officially start as Chelsea manager? His four-year contract commences on 1 July. Who is managing Chelsea for the final two matches of the season? Interim manager Calum McFarlane is in charge for the games against Tottenham and Sunderland. Why was the previou
Earlier this season: Xabi Alonso departs Real Madrid by mutual consent Saturday (recent): Chelsea suffers defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City Sunday morning (announcement): Chelsea confirms appointment of Xabi Alonso on a four-year contract 1 July: Xabi Alonso’s co
Timeline
Xabi Alonso departs Real Madrid by mutual consent
Chelsea suffers defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City
Chelsea confirms appointment of Xabi Alonso on a four-year contract
Xabi Alonso’s contract commences; he officially replaces interim manager Calum McFarlane
Calum McFarlane serves as caretaker manager for games against Tottenham and Sunderland
FAQ
His four-year contract commences on 1 July.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane is in charge for the games against Tottenham and Sunderland.
Liam Rosenior was sacked less than a month ago, following the club’s defeat in the FA Cup final.
He won the Champions League twice as a player and led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double as manager.
He has signed a four-year deal, which runs until 2030.
His contract commences in July, effective from the start of the next season.
He has signed a four-year deal.
Calum McFarlane is serving as caretaker manager for the final two Premier League games.
He previously managed Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
He succeeds Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Xabi Alonso has been appointed as Chelsea’s new manager.
He has signed a four-year contract.
His contract starts in July.
Calum McFarlane is the interim boss and will remain in charge for the final two Premier League fixtures.
The club experienced a turbulent season resulting in the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
He led Bayer Leverkusen to the German double in the 2023-24 season.
He departed by mutual consent in January.
He won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.