United News of Bangladesh

Chelsea have appointed former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract starting next season, as the club looks to restore stability following a turbulent period under its current ownership. Alonso will officially take charge on July 1, replacing Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month. He becomes the fifth permanent manager hired by the club’s owners, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, since their takeover in 2022. The Spaniard returns to management after a brief and difficult stint with Real Madrid, where he left by mutual consent in January after just eight months amid poor results and reports of dressing room unrest. Prior to that, Alonso earned widespread praise during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the team to a Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023–24 season. Chelsea described him as “one of the most respected figures in the modern game.” “From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,” Alonso said in a club statement. “We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.” Chelsea, who last won the UEFA Champions League in 2021, have endured a difficult campaign and are unlikely to qualify for next season’s competition. Their hopes of silverware this season ended with defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Alonso said his focus will be on “hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies,” adding that the squad has “great talent and huge potential.” The appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of Chelsea’s ownership, which has spent heavily — around $2.5 billion on player recruitment — while the club has also accumulated significant debt and reported record pre-tax losses. Despite the challenges, Alonso — previously linked with a move to Liverpool FC — described Chelsea as “one of the biggest clubs in world football.” Chelsea said his hiring reflects confidence in his leadership qualities, coaching ability and long-term vision as the club seeks to rebuild. Interim coach Calum McFarlane will remain in charge for the team’s final two Premier League matches of the season against Tottenham and Sunderland.