Xabi Alonso handed keys to transfer market after Chelsea board admits Rosenior mistake

Xabi Alonso has been named the new manager at Stamford Bridge after a disastrous season that saw two coaches fired over the course of the year at Chelsea. The board of directors brought Alonso in, and conceded control of the decision making to the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.

Xabi back on the touchline

The board of BlueCo, who have been in charge of Chelsea for the last four years, have admitted to their mistakes in the past and given the Basque manager the freedom to bring in players that will suit his system. Xabi Alonso implemented what he labeled as a “rock and roll” style of play in Germany, and it led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder’s first words as manager spoke to the grandeur of the club. “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,” said Alonso.

BlueCo will not get in Xabi’s way

Alonso attracted the eyes of the biggest clubs around the continent after his success in Leverkusen, but it was Real Madrid who lured the former Real Sociedad man to the Bernabeu. The project crashed before it could even get off the ground and Alonso was axed in January after Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

After the sacking of Enzo Maresca, the BlueCo board brought in manager of sister club Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior. The young manager was enjoying success in the French league, and the board decided to replace Maresca with the manager they were grooming to eventually take over at Stamford Bridge. The gamble cost BlueCo dearly. Rosenior was axed after a stretch of five straight league losses without scoring a single goal.

Protests ignited around Stamford Bridge as supporters called for an end to the BlueCo reign. Sources close to the club claim that the board now realize the appointment of Rosenior was a mistake, stating that the young squad needed a more experienced manager that was capable of bringing experience to a squad that had very little.

Chelsea missed out on their late season goal of qualifying for the Champions League, and that could cost them this summer in the transfer window. Despite the disappointment, the board has conceded to their new manager that they will look for more veteran players that are ready to make an impact at the club immediately instead of trying to mold young players into champions.

Xabi went on to describe the type of atmosphere he wants to create at the club and the culture they are trying to build for the short and long term future. "We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

Related stories

Real Madrid

Arbeloa hints at farewells coming at the Bernabéu

Premier League

Carrick hints at future following United’s last home match

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.