Xabi Alonso given Chelsea job title reserved for Jose Mourinho in major statement

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Xabi Alonso has been unveiled as Chelsea's new manager, with the former Real Madrid boss handed a distinctly different title from his predecessors at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the Blues, which gets underway on 1 July. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane will take charge for the club's remaining two Premier League fixtures this season.

Alonso becomes the sixth permanent boss under BlueCo's ownership - but crucially, he is the first to carry the title of 'manager' rather than 'head coach', a title last used by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea back in 2013. The change signals the club's intention to grant Alonso greater authority over off-the-pitch affairs, transfer business included.

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football.london reports the club felt Alonso warranted the elevated title based on his outstanding track record in the game. Prior to joining Real last summer, the former midfielder steered Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga crown in 2023/24, guiding the side through an extraordinary unbeaten campaign.

The 44-year-old is expected to play a central role in shaping Chelsea's summer transfer window, with the club keen to involve him directly in pinpointing recruitment targets as they look to bolster the squad.

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It is understood that Alonso shares a strong alignment of vision with the Chelsea board, something that became apparent from their very first discussions. Speaking following his appointment, the Spaniard said: "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.

"We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.

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"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."

Alonso takes over from Liam Rosenior in the dugout at Stamford Bridge. The ex-Strasbourg manager endured a mere 23 games at the helm before being dismissed following a 3-0 loss against Brighton in April.