Xabi Alonso has said shared ambition persuaded him to become Chelsea‘s new head coach.
Chelsea have announced the appointment of Alonso on a four-year contract, with the Spaniard to officially begin in the role on July 1st.
Alonso arrives with a reputation as one of the best young coaches in European football, having led Bayer Leverkusen to a maiden German title, without losing a game, during the 2023/24 campaign.
The 44-year-old has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in January after only eight months in charge.
Despite that short-lived stint in Spain, excitement is high at the arrival of the former Liverpool midfielder at Stamford Bridge.
His success as a manager has followed a glittering playing career that included four league titles,Champions League success, and multiple international honours with Spain.
In a statement to announce his appointment, Alonso spoke of his pride at taking charge of Chelsea and said the shared ambition to fight for trophies at the highest level persuaded him to take the opportunity.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” he toldchelseafc.com.
“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.”
Chelsea delighted to appoint ‘outstanding’ coach Xabi Alonso
In the club’s press release, Chelsea said Alonso was chosen due to his status as an ‘outstanding football coach’ and ‘proven leader’.
“His appointment reflects the Club’s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea’s journey.
“He is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team.”