Xabi Alonso expresses pride in joining Chelsea as manager

Xabi Alonso has officially taken the reins at Chelsea, and the Spaniard isn’t hiding his emotions about it. The former midfield maestro, confirmed as the club’s new manager on May 17, called Chelsea “one of the biggest clubs in world football” and said the appointment fills him with “immense pride.” It’s a statement that lands differently when you consider the revolving door that Stamford Bridge’s dugout has become. Alonso is the sixth permanent manager since BlueCo, led by chairman Todd Boehly, took ownership of the club. From the pitch to the touchline Alonso’s credentials as a player need little introduction. He spent five years at Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, winning the Champions League in that iconic Istanbul final. He then moved to Real Madrid before closing out his playing career at Bayern Munich. At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso turned a perennial also-ran into genuine contenders, earning widespread praise for his tactical sharpness and ability to develop players. A brief stint connected to Real Madrid followed, but Chelsea clearly represented the challenge he wanted next. His four-year contract is set to commence on July 1, 2026, aligning his start with the buildup to the 2026...