Xabi Alonso Takes the Helm at Chelsea
Xabi Alonso is set to become Chelsea's head coach on July 1, 2025, as confirmed by club officials. The former midfielder expressed pride in taking charge of what he called one of football's biggest clubs. After discussions with Chelsea's leadership, Alonso highlighted their shared vision with the owners, aiming to build a squad capable of consistent top-level performances and trophy contention.
Current Chelsea Turmoil
For the remainder of the 2025/26 season, interim manager Callum MacFarlane will lead the team. Chelsea has faced a difficult campaign, parting ways with two coaches:
- Enzo Maresca resigned on January 1;
- Liam Rosenior was dismissed in late April.
The club was eliminated from the League Cup and Champions League, and recently lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Manchester City. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea still has a chance to qualify for European competition through the Premier League, with upcoming matches against Tottenham on May 19 and Sunderland on May 24.
Alonso transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player, starting with Real Madrid's youth teams. In the summer of 2019, he took over Real Sociedad's reserve side, and by October 2022, he became head coach of Bayer Leverkusen. In his second season, he led the club to a Bundesliga title, a German Cup win, and a German Super Cup, though they lost the Europa League final.
“Evaluating this season and planning for the next will be crucial for Chelsea as they aim to regain their standing in European football and restore stability under a new manager.”
Source: Club officials
With his proven track record, Alonso's appointment could be a pivotal move to rebuild fan trust and improve the team's international performance.
As Chelsea prepares for a new chapter under Xabi Alonso, it's essential to consider the support he has garnered from the squad. The team's backing could play a significant role in his ability to implement his vision and restore the club's competitive edge. For more insights on how the players are responding to Alonso's appointment, check out the details in our article about the players' endorsement of the new head coach.