Chelsea Football Club’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, officially begins a new era at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The former Spain international and ex-Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich midfielder signed a four-year contract after being appointed as Chelsea manager in May.
Alonso arrives with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. He enjoyed a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga campaign before moving to Real Madrid as head coach.
The Spaniard reported to Cobham on Monday to begin pre-season preparations with the Blues. He expressed his excitement about leading one of England’s biggest clubs and outlined his clear vision of building a competitive team capable of challenging for major honours.
Alonso faces the difficult task of restoring Chelsea to contention for domestic trophies and securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.
His first competitive match in charge will be a Premier League fixture against Fulham at Stamford Bridge, where he is expected to come up against former Liverpool and Real Madrid teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, who is in the Fulham dugout.
By Elvis Kwasi Amoako
