Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spaniard has signed a four-year deal and will start work in pre season. He becomes the sixth permanent manager of the BlueCo era.
The former Real Madrid head coach will take charge of the Blues from 1 July in what is his first managerial role in the Premier League.
Callum McFarlane has been in interim charge since the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and was on the touchline for Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday.
On his appointment, Alonso said: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.”
The Spaniard was sacked by Madrid in January after a short stint at the Bernabéu.
Chelsea, whose shortlist also included Filipe Luís, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva, have had him on their radar for at least three years and the appointment will be seen as coup for the club.
More details to follow …