CHELSEA have announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their next manager on a four-year deal.
With his announcement, Alonso, 44, is the SIXTH permanent boss named under the BlueCo regime.
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Xabi Alonso has been named as the new Chelsea manager Credit: PA
The former Liverpool star has signed a four-year deal Credit: PA
He replaces Liam Rosenior‘s ill-fated 107-day spell in charge, and arrives shortly after the club’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
The Spaniard had been linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool, where he starred during his playing career.
However, rather than the Red of Anfield he has opted for the Blue of Stamford Bridge.
It is understood Alonso has been given promises of a larger say in recruitment.
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Club chiefs are prepared to sign more “ready made” players to supplement their young squad.
Alonso was the preferred candidate to take over ahead of Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola, Fulham‘s Marco Silva and former Chelsea star Filipe Luis.
With the club looking set to miss out on European football next season, Alonso will have the chance to implement his tactical ideas week to week.
Alonso will have big boots to fill however, because only one boss under the leadership of BlueCo has lasted more than a year, Enzo Maresca.
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Alonso is the sixth permanent boss under BlueCo’s leadership Credit: Alamy
Even then, Maresca’s time in charge was marred with arguments over transfer strategy before he abruptly quit 550 days into his reign at the start of January.
Alonso previously managed Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in Germany, before he cut a tumultuous time at Real Madrid short by leaving just over half a year into his time at his former club.
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