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Xabi Alonso has expressed his excitement and pride at being appointed as Chelsea’s head coach, sharing his ambitions for the club and his enthusiasm about returning to the Premier League after several years away from English football.

A dream role at Stamford Bridge

Appearing composed and confident, Alonso addressed the media for the first time in the Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge since taking charge of Chelsea. According to the club’s official website, the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager, who has already started implementing his ideas at the Cobham training centre, could not hide his delight at being chosen to guide the Blues into a new chapter.

“Firstly, I want to say thank you to everyone for the warm welcome,” Alonso said in his opening statement. “The excitement about taking this job is very simple — it’s the club, the team, and the opportunity to work at such a great organisation. I want to be part of this club, collaborating closely with the sporting directors, the players, and the staff around me at Cobham.”

Creating a winning connection with supporters

A core element of Alonso’s philosophy is to build unity between the team and the fans at Stamford Bridge. Following a period of transition for the club, the Spaniard is determined to bring Chelsea back to their traditional status as consistent winners while adopting an attractive style of football that resonates with supporters.

“We want to bring excitement, build that connection with the fans, and win matches to achieve success,” he continued. “I see this club as one with tremendous potential. There is already a strong foundation here, and now we want to keep developing it to ensure we are competitive on the pitch.”

Taking on the challenge of the world’s toughest league

Although Alonso is no stranger to English football after his legendary playing days with Liverpool, he recognises how much the Premier League has evolved. This marks his first managerial role in England, and he is eager to test his tactical insight against some of the world’s best coaches in what he describes as the ultimate footballing environment.

“The Premier League is currently the most competitive league in the world,” Alonso said. “It’s a huge challenge to come here and return to this league in my managerial career, but it’s one I’m genuinely thrilled to accept — to grow, to improve, and to learn together.”

Honouring Chelsea’s proud legacy

Alonso’s appointment continues a tradition of high-profile coaches at Chelsea. He spoke with great respect about the club’s illustrious history and the legendary figures who have represented it over the years, emphasising that it is an honour to now play a key role in shaping the next chapter of the Blues’ story.

“Chelsea’s history speaks for itself,” Alonso concluded. “It’s not only about the trophies but also the great players who have played here and the remarkable managers who have led this club. I feel truly honoured and privileged to be part of it, and I can’t wait to get started.”