LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea F.C. have chosen to start anew with Xabi Alonso. The Stamford Bridge club officially announced that the Spanish coach, coming off the dismissal that ended his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid, will take over as head coach of the first team from July 1 after signing a four-year contract with the club.
“One of the most respected figures in modern football, Alonso joins Chelsea with top-level experience gained at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in its history,” the London club stated. “His appointment reflects the club’s confidence in his experience, the quality of his coaching and playing philosophy, his leadership skills, character, and integrity — all key factors in the decision to entrust him with the management of Chelsea. He is regarded not only as an exceptional football coach, but also as a leader and a proven professional in several crucial areas for the team’s development.”
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and I am immensely proud to become the manager of this great club,” said the former midfielder, who played in the Premier League for Liverpool F.C. from 2004 to 2009. “After my discussions with the owners and executives, I understood that we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of consistently competing at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and enormous potential at this club, and it will be a great honor for me to lead it. The focus now is on hard work, building the right culture, and winning trophies.”
Chelsea are coming off yesterday’s defeat in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City F.C., at the end of a very difficult season marked by the split with Enzo Maresca — who had achieved great things with the Blues — and the dismissal of his successor, Liam Rosenior.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
