First pictures as Xabi Alonso arrives to begin Chelsea reign

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Evening Standard

9 July 2026

Spaniard takes over reins after Liam Rosenior sacking

Xabi Alonso

has arrived at

Cobham

to take over officially as

Chelsea

’s new manager.

The former Real Madrid boss was appointed to replace the departed Liam Rosenior back in May, but he has only now begun his new role at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was pictured arriving at the club’s training ground on Thursday morning as players not involved at the World Cup returned for pre-season.

The Blues will not be playing in European competition this coming term, having finished 10th under a combination of Enzo Maresca, Rosenior, and interim manager Calum McFarlane.

New boss: Xabi Alonso

Getty

Alonso has alreday been instrumental in the club’s transfer business this year, with the west Londoners already signing full-back Marco Pelastra, while Geovany Quenda, already signed before Alonso’s arrival, was announced on Wednesday as he finally completed his move from Sporting CP.

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen head coach was also keen on a reunion with Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, with Standard Sport previously reporting that

had seen a bid rejected for the Swiss international, previously of Arsenal, who had been keen to move back to London from Wearside.

Among those reporting back to Cobham for pre-season will be Cole Palmer, who was controversially left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, as well as compatriot Levi Colwill, woh also missed out despite his impressive performances upon his return from a long-term ACL injury.

Alonso was known for his 3-4-2-1 system at Leverkusen, where he led the Bundesliga outfit to a maiden league title in 2023-24, and die Werkself went unbeaten domestically that year.

First day: Xabi Alonso

He left for Madrid, where he played between 2009-2014, taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025.

There, he led the club to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, but he was sacked in January after the Super Cup defeat by Barcelona.

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