Chelsea agrees four-year deal for Xabi Alonso after disappointing season

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By Trust Ittai 
 
 
 
Chelsea F.C. has reached an agreement with former Real Madrid CF and Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to become the club’s new head coach on a four-year contract.

The Premier League side moved swiftly to secure the Spaniard as they continued their search for stability following another disappointing campaign.

The development comes just hours after Chelsea suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City F.C. in the FA Cup final, compounding frustrations in a season that has seen the Blues struggle for consistency both domestically and in cup competitions.

Chelsea have been without a permanent manager since the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April after only three months in charge. 

The club’s hierarchy is now hoping Alonso can spark a revival at Stamford Bridge and restore the team’s competitiveness at the highest level.

Alonso, 44, emerged as one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches after guiding Leverkusen to a historic league and cup double during the 2023-24 season. 

However, his spell at Real Madrid ended abruptly after less than eight months, opening the door for a return to management in England.

If confirmed, Alonso would become the fifth permanent managerial appointment under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership following the tenures of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.

Chelsea currently sits ninth in the Premier League table and faces an uphill battle to secure qualification for European competition, increasing the pressure on Alonso to quickly turn around the fortunes of the West London club.
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