Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso looks on before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Betis Sevilla in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo\/Pablo Garcia, File)<\/small><\/p>\n
2026-05-17T08:15:10Z<\/p>\n
Chelsea hired Xabi Alonso as its latest coach on a four-year deal on Sunday, with the Spaniard making his return to management after a disappointing eight-month spell at Real Madrid.<\/p>\n
Alonso will formally take charge on July 1 as the replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month, and will become the fifth permanent coach appointed by Chelsea\u2019s American owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since they bought the club in 2022.<\/p>\n
Alonso lasted eight months at Madrid before leaving the club by mutual consent in January after poor results and widespread media reports that he lost control of the locker room. That damaged his strong reputation built at Bayer Leverkusen, which he led to the German title and an unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023-24 season.<\/p>\n
Chelsea described Alonso as \u201cone of the most respected figures in the modern game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,\u201d Alonso said in a Chelsea statement. \u201cWe want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chelsea looks highly unlikely to be in next season\u2019s Champions League, however, and might miss out on European competition entirely. The club was guaranteed a trophyless season by losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final<\/a><\/span> on Saturday, though did win the Club World Cup last summer.<\/p>\n