LONDON.- The quoted Xabi Alonsowithout a team since he was fired by the real Madrid in January, it is the bet of the Chelseathe prestigious London club that will have to face a reconstruction, sporting and institutional, after a failed season.
The former midfielder Liverpool and of the Spanish national team, 44 years old, will begin his mission on July 1 with a contract until 2030, the west London club announced in a statement.
“His appointment reflects the club’s conviction in his extensive experience, the quality of his work as a coach and his playing philosophy, as well as his leadership qualities, his character and his integrity,” the entity highlighted.
Chelsea described Alonso as “one of the most respected figures in modern football.”
Without titles and without Europe
The announcement came just hours after Chelsea lost the final of the FA Cup for 1 to 0 against him Manchester City, certifying that the Blues will close a season without titles.
Not only that, but it is very difficult for them to compete in European competitions next season, since with two days left until the end of the season Premier LeagueChelsea occupies a disappointing ninth position in the standings.
The interim coach Calum McFarlane will continue to sit on the bench in the two remaining games, on Tuesday against the Tottenham and in front of SunderlandEdit next Sunday.
But the threat of not playing in Europe next season and the little patience of the club owner BlueCo with the coaches they don’t seem to scare Alonso.
No patience with technicians
The consortium led by the American businessman Todd Boehly He has terminated five technicians since he came to power four years ago, in May 2022: Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and the last two, Enzo Marescaset aside in January, and Liam Roseniordismissed in April.
With the Spaniard, Chelsea is betting on a multi-awarded former player (world champion, double European champion, winner of the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid) and a highly sought-after strategist, despite the somewhat contrasting last line of his resume.
Alonso confirmed himself as one of the most promising coaches in Europe by guiding the Bayer Leverkusen to a historic league and cup double in Germany without knowing defeat in the 2023/24 season.
He also reached the final of the Europa Leaguewho lost 3-0 against Atalantain what was the only defeat of a historic season.
Some merits that led him to sign for Real Madrid a year ago, but the “rock and roll” football and the “meritocracy” that he wanted to implement in the white club collided with the walls of a locker room filled with excessive egos and the extreme demands of the White House.
Fired from Real Madrid
The former midfielder and brain of La Roja was fired the day after the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup in front of FC Barcelonain January, eight months after his arrival.
At Chelsea, he regains the title of “manager” of which his predecessor Rosenior, a simple “head coach” with reduced prerogatives, was deprived.
This offers a first indication of the confidence that is granted, from the outset, to the new chosen one and the weight he should have in the next transfer market.
At Stamford Bridge, Alonso will be able to count on the financial support of the tenth richest club in the world (according to the latest Deloitte ranking).
“A lot of talent in the squad”
At Chelsea, the Spaniard will find himself with a very large squad, with the majority of international players (Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedoetc.), which just a year ago were proclaimed champions in the first Club World Cup celebrated in USA.
According to the British media, the owners want to focus this summer on profiles of experienced players, seasoned at the highest level, to surround the young talents, sometimes too green, of the current squad, such as the Brazilian Estevao Willian.
“There is a lot of talent in the squad and enormous potential in this club, and it will be a great honor for me to lead it. Now, the goal is to work hard, build the right culture and win trophies,” said Alonso, quoted in the team’s statement.
