{"id":1940732,"date":"2026-05-18T04:23:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T01:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1940732"},"modified":"2026-05-18T04:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T01:23:53","slug":"chelsea-appoints-ex-real-madrid-boss-xabi-alonso-as-manager-on-four-year-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1940732","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea appoints ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as manager on four-year deal"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/18\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_45d80f0e-8734-5cc1-a887-dff21f906e9a-9761807.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894422-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894422\" data-cid=\"9761770\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894422-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_a712ac46-d5b2-56ef-a57e-ebd82a1b6fc0-9761770.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on &quot;Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership&quot; in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Taiwan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taiwan defends US arms purchases that Trump called &#8216;bargaining chip&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894418-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_63f336ed-892e-5439-b287-5b68e56292d4-9761750.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Time is of the essence,&#8217; Trump says in latest warning to Iran\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894410-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894410\" data-cid=\"9761706\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894410-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_08de32b7-1677-50bb-9d9b-45d2fbac8568-9761706.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"World Urban Forum in Baku, 17 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Azerbaijan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    World Urban Forum opens in Baku with warning on global housing divide\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894369-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894369\" data-cid=\"9761628\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894369-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/16\/28\/189x106_cmsv2_b2ebce33-5273-593b-831b-9f482dab52d2-9761628.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gothenburg, Sweden, Sunday May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Modi in Sweden: Von der Leyen lauds &#8216;new era&#8217; in EU-India relations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894422-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894422\" data-cid=\"9761770\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894422-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_a712ac46-d5b2-56ef-a57e-ebd82a1b6fc0-9761770.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on &quot;Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership&quot; in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Taiwan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taiwan defends US arms purchases that Trump called &#8216;bargaining chip&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894418-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_63f336ed-892e-5439-b287-5b68e56292d4-9761750.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Time is of the essence,&#8217; Trump says in latest warning to Iran\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894410-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894410\" data-cid=\"9761706\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894410-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_08de32b7-1677-50bb-9d9b-45d2fbac8568-9761706.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"World Urban Forum in Baku, 17 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Azerbaijan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    World Urban Forum opens in Baku with warning on global housing divide\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894369-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894369\" data-cid=\"9761628\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894369-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/16\/28\/189x106_cmsv2_b2ebce33-5273-593b-831b-9f482dab52d2-9761628.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gothenburg, Sweden, Sunday May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Modi in Sweden: Von der Leyen lauds &#8216;new era&#8217; in EU-India relations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          Sport<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Chelsea appoints ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as manager on four-year deal<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/18\/07\/1536x864_cmsv2_45d80f0e-8734-5cc1-a887-dff21f906e9a-9761807.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"FILE - Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso looks on before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Betis Sevilla in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 4, 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              FILE &#8211; Real Madrid&#8217;s head coach Xabi Alonso looks on before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Betis Sevilla in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 4, 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo\/Pablo Garcia, File<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\/Pablo Garcia, File\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMalek Fouda\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1779078233\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-18 06:23:53 +02:00\">18\/05\/2026 &#8211; 6:23 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Alonso is widely regarded as one of the exciting new managerial talents in world football despite a short, unsuccessful and drama-filled spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, which ended by mutual consent in January.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Chelsea hired Xabi Alonso as manager on Sunday on a four-year deal starting with the beginning of next season, with the Spaniard returning to coaching after a short, rocky spell at Real Madrid and tasked with bringing stability to a club that has become dysfunctional under its new American ownership.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alonso will formally take charge on 1 July as the replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month, and will become the fifth permanent coach appointed by Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since they bought the Premier League team in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso lasted just eight months at Real Madrid before leaving the Spanish giants by mutual consent in January after poor results and widespread media reports that he lost control of a locker room wracked by infighting and disharmony this season.<\/p>\n<p>Before that, the former Spain midfielder had built a strong reputation at Bayer Leverkusen, which he led to the German title and an unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023-24 season, and Chelsea described Alonso as \u201cone of the most respected figures in the modern game.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,\u201d Alonso said in a Chelsea statement. \u201cWe want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Without a domestic trophy for eight years, Chelsea was European champion as recently as 2021 and won the Club World Cup against most pundits&#8217; expectations last summer in the United States, in the inaugural expanded format of the tournament.<\/p>\n<p>However, Chelsea looks highly unlikely to be in next season&#8217;s Champions League and might miss out on European competition entirely after a huge dip in form in the second half of the campaign.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/18\/07\/808x539_cmsv2_0066c41f-a9c5-5fba-a2d0-f3b9bc3d0bd2-9761807.jpg\" alt=\"FILE - Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, July 13, 2025\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">FILE &#8211; Chelsea&#8217;s Reece James lifts the trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, July 13, 2025<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Jacquelyn Martin\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The club was guaranteed a trophyless season by losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it,\u201d Alonso said. \u201cNow the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After an unseemly end to Rosenior&#8217;s turbulent tenure, Chelsea&#8217;s ownership said it would be undertaking \u201ca process of self-reflection\u201d ahead of its next coaching appointment, amid growing tension among supporters about the direction of the club and its massive financial concerns following years of heavy spending.<\/p>\n<p>In the four years under Boehly and Clearlake, around $2.5 billion (\u20ac2.15 billion) has been spent on new, mostly young and unproven players on long-term contracts, while the club has taken on a debt approaching $2 billion (\u20ac1.72 billion).<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea\u2019s most recent financial results revealed the club made pre-tax losses of $350 million (\u20ac301.1 million), a record in the Premier League era.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s with this backdrop that Alonso \u2014 who has long been linked with a potential move to Liverpool, another of his former teams \u2014 heads to Chelsea, which he described as \u201cone of the biggest clubs in world football.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis appointment,\u201d Chelsea said, &#8220;reflects the club\u2019s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the interim, Calum McFarlane will continue to lead the Blues for its two remaining Premier League fixtures, against London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs on Tuesday and Sunderland on the last match day of the season on 24 May.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 AP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Manchester United sacks manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months at Old Trafford<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Liverpool FC breaks English transfer record with \u20ac145m signing of Alexander Isak<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey granted conditional bail on rape charges<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  manager<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Premier League<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Chelsea Football Club<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Chelsea FC<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Football<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894418-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_63f336ed-892e-5439-b287-5b68e56292d4-9761750.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Time is of the essence,&#8217; Trump says in latest warning to Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894301-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894301\" data-cid=\"9761389\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894301-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/13\/89\/320x180_cmsv2_ad7f4ebd-b069-5b5c-9781-e1d49b2219bf-9761389.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Ukraine&#8217;s largest drone attacks kills 3, Russia says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894277-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894277\" data-cid=\"9761291\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894277-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/12\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_e9023493-921e-531b-9975-989be05026d2-9761291.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wes Streeting calls Brexit a &#8216;catastrophic mistake&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894135-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894135\" data-cid=\"9761374\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894135-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/96\/320x180_cmsv2_8b1af1c5-c586-5597-8643-795c242e74ff-9760696.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A citizen votes in Andalusia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Conservatives near majority in Andalusia as Socialists hit record low<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894369-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894369\" data-cid=\"9761628\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894369-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/16\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_b2ebce33-5273-593b-831b-9f482dab52d2-9761628.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gothenburg, Sweden, Sunday May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Modi in Sweden: Von der Leyen lauds &#8216;new era&#8217; in EU-India relations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894175-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894175\" data-cid=\"9760870\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 as public push Israel into second place<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893999-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893999\" data-cid=\"9760136\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why experts predict a looming surge in solar panel prices<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894301-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894301\" data-cid=\"9761389\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Ukraine&#8217;s largest drone attacks kills 3, Russia says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894244-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894244\" data-cid=\"9761194\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: Tears and confetti as Bulgaria&#8217;s Dara lifts Eurovision trophy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893902-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893902\" data-cid=\"9759469\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China unveils a giant rideable robot straight out of sci-fi movie<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894418-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/17\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_63f336ed-892e-5439-b287-5b68e56292d4-9761750.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Time is of the essence,&#8217; Trump says in latest warning to Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894301-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894301\" data-cid=\"9761389\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894301-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/13\/89\/320x180_cmsv2_ad7f4ebd-b069-5b5c-9781-e1d49b2219bf-9761389.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Ukraine&#8217;s largest drone attacks kills 3, Russia says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894277-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894277\" data-cid=\"9761291\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894277-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/12\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_e9023493-921e-531b-9975-989be05026d2-9761291.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wes Streeting calls Brexit a &#8216;catastrophic mistake&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894135-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894135\" data-cid=\"9761374\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894135-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/96\/320x180_cmsv2_8b1af1c5-c586-5597-8643-795c242e74ff-9760696.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A citizen votes in Andalusia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Conservatives near majority in Andalusia as Socialists hit record low<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894369-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894369\" data-cid=\"9761628\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894369-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/16\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_b2ebce33-5273-593b-831b-9f482dab52d2-9761628.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gothenburg, Sweden, Sunday May 17, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Modi in Sweden: Von der Leyen lauds &#8216;new era&#8217; in EU-India relations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894175-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894175\" data-cid=\"9760870\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 as public push Israel into second place<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893999-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893999\" data-cid=\"9760136\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why experts predict a looming surge in solar panel prices<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894301-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894301\" data-cid=\"9761389\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Ukraine&#8217;s largest drone attacks kills 3, Russia says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894244-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894244\" data-cid=\"9761194\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: Tears and confetti as Bulgaria&#8217;s Dara lifts Eurovision trophy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893902-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893902\" data-cid=\"9759469\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China unveils a giant rideable robot straight out of sci-fi movie<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Chelsea hired Xabi Alonso as manager on Sunday on a four-year deal starting with the beginning of next season, with the Spaniard returning to coaching after a short, rocky spell at Real Madrid and tasked with bringing stability to a club that has become dysfunctional under its new American ownership.Alonso will formally take charge on 1 July as the replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was fired last month, and will become the fifth permanent coach appointed by Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since they bought the Premier League team in 2022.Alonso lasted just eight months at Real Madrid before leaving the Spanish giants by mutual consent in January after poor results and widespread media reports that he lost control of a locker room wracked by infighting and disharmony this season.Before that, the former Spain midfielder had built a strong reputation at Bayer Leverkusen, which he led to the German title and an unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023-24 season, and Chelsea described Alonso as \u201cone of the most respected figures in the modern game.\u201d\u201cFrom my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,\u201d Alonso said in a Chelsea statement. \u201cWe want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.\u201dWithout a domestic trophy for eight years, Chelsea was European champion as recently as 2021 and won the Club World Cup against most pundits&#8217; expectations last summer in the United States, in the inaugural expanded format of the tournament.However, Chelsea looks highly unlikely to be in next season&#8217;s Champions League and might miss out on European competition entirely after a huge dip in form in the second half of the campaign.The club was guaranteed a trophyless season by losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.\u201cThere is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it,\u201d Alonso said. \u201cNow the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.\u201dAfter an unseemly end to Rosenior&#8217;s turbulent tenure, Chelsea&#8217;s ownership said it would be undertaking \u201ca process of self-reflection\u201d ahead of its next coaching appointment, amid growing tension among supporters about the direction of the club and its massive financial concerns following years of heavy spending.In the four years under Boehly and Clearlake, around $2.5 billion (\u20ac2.15 billion) has been spent on new, mostly young and unproven players on long-term contracts, while the club has taken on a debt approaching $2 billion (\u20ac1.72 billion).Chelsea\u2019s most recent financial results revealed the club made pre-tax losses of $350 million (\u20ac301.1 million), a record in the Premier League era.It&#8217;s with this backdrop that Alonso \u2014 who has long been linked with a potential move to Liverpool, another of his former teams \u2014 heads to Chelsea, which he described as \u201cone of the biggest clubs in world football.\u201d\u201cHis appointment,\u201d Chelsea said, &#8220;reflects the club\u2019s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea\u2019s journey.\u201cHe is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team.\u201dIn the interim, Calum McFarlane will continue to lead the Blues for its two remaining Premier League fixtures, against London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs on Tuesday and Sunderland on the last match day of the season on 24 May.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/05\/18\/chelsea-appoints-ex-real-madrid-boss-xabi-alonso-as-manager-on-four-year-deal&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/18\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_45d80f0e-8734-5cc1-a887-dff21f906e9a-9761807.jpg&#8221;] Taiwan Taiwan defends US arms purchases that Trump called &#8216;bargaining chip&#8217; Iran &#8216;Time is of the essence,&#8217; Trump says in latest warning to Iran Azerbaijan World Urban Forum opens in Baku with warning on global housing divide Europe News Modi in Sweden: Von der Leyen lauds &#8216;new era&#8217; in EU-India relations Taiwan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1940732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1940732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1940732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1940732\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1940732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1940732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1940732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}