Overview
- Chelsea, which confirmed the hire Sunday, said Alonso signed a four-year contract that begins July 1.
- He has been given the title of manager rather than head coach, indicating greater say over transfers alongside the club’s sporting leadership, and reports say he sought such assurances before accepting.
- The announcement landed less than a day after the FA Cup final loss to Manchester City, with Chelsea ninth in the league and unlikely to reach Europe.
- Interim coach Calum McFarlane will oversee the final two matches of the season before Alonso takes charge in July.
- Alonso’s unbeaten 2023–24 title with Bayer Leverkusen underpins his appeal, and his appointment removes him from contention for any future vacancy at Liverpool.