Chelsea Appoints Xabi Alonso as Head Coach Starting July 1

Xabi Alonso Takes the Helm at Chelsea

According to Главком: London club Chelsea has officially named Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, effective July 1, 2025. The Spanish tactician has signed a contract running through the summer of 2030. Alonso had been out of work since mid-January of this year, following his dismissal from Real Madrid after only six months in charge. In the interim, Chelsea's interim manager is Callum MacFarlane, who will see out the 2025/26 season.

Alonso's appointment comes amid a turbulent period for Chelsea's coaching staff, with two head coaches departing during the current season:

• Enzo Maresca left the club on January 1;
• Liam Rosenior resigned at the end of April.

Under previous leadership, Chelsea failed to achieve significant success, exiting the League Cup and Champions League early, and suffering a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Alonso's Coaching Journey and Chelsea's Road Ahead

Xabi Alonso began his coaching career working with youth players at Real Madrid after retiring from playing. In 2019, he took charge of Real Sociedad's reserve team, and in October 2022, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. During his second season there, Bayer won the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal, and the DFL-Supercup, though they lost the Europa League final.

Chelsea will continue preparations for upcoming matches, including fixtures against Tottenham on May 19 and Sunderland on May 24. Meanwhile, Manchester United is nearing a decision on their head coach for next season, with club directors set to propose Michael Carrick for the role to co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.

Alonso's appointment could mark a pivotal step for Chelsea, a club seeking stability after a string of poor results and coaching changes. His proven track record in Germany may bring fresh ideas and strategies to improve the team's performance. The Blues must now focus on adapting after the season ends to gear up for key campaigns ahead.

As Chelsea embarks on this new chapter with Xabi Alonso at the helm, it's crucial to consider the backing he has received from the squad. The players' support for Alonso may play a significant role in shaping the team's future performance and stability as they transition into the next season.