News · 17 May 2026
Xabi Alonso becomes Chelsea's new manager on four-year deal
Chelsea's appointment of Xabi Alonso shows a shift, with owners now acknowledging the significant impact of a manager's reputation. The 44-year-old confirmed a four-year contract to manage, having led Bayer Leverkusen to their 2024 Bundesliga title. His arrival makes him either the fifth or sixth permanent manager appointed at Chelsea since the BlueCo consortium took over in 2022, with sources providing conflicting counts.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs
