Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s latest manager on Sunday on a four-year deal with the Spaniard tasked with turning around the club’s fortunes.

Alonso replaces Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month, and will become the fifth permanent coach appointed by Chelsea’s American owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since they bought the club in 2022.

Alonso lasted eight months at Madrid before leaving the club by mutual consent in January after poor results and widespread media reports that he lost control of the locker room.

Before that, he was at Bayer Leverkusen, which he led to the German title and an unbeaten domestic season.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager of the men’s team,” Chelsea said in a statement.

Xabi’s has been appointed less than 24 hours after his new side were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup final by Chelsea, signalling another trophyless season for the London club.