Xabi Alonso explains his choice of Chelsea over Liverpool as manager

Xabi Alonso, the new manager of Chelsea, stated that his decision to join the club was primarily based on timing during his first press conference on July 13, 2026. Alonso, who previously enjoyed a successful playing career at Liverpool, emphasized his enthusiasm for the challenges ahead at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso's Decision to Join Chelsea

When asked why he opted for Chelsea instead of Liverpool, Alonso responded, "Well, it is about timings." He expressed excitement about taking on the new challenge at Chelsea, which he considers one of the biggest clubs in football. His appointment comes after Liverpool decided to part ways with manager Arne Slot following a trophyless season, leading to the hiring of Andoni Iraola, a childhood friend of Alonso.

Alonso remarked, "I am looking forward to this challenge, a big challenge, and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs and I am looking forward to having success here." His comments highlight the importance of timing in managerial decisions and the dynamics within top clubs.

Managing Challenges at Chelsea

Chelsea has faced difficulties in recent seasons, finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European competition. Alonso is the club's sixth permanent manager in four years under the ownership of BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Unlike his predecessors, Alonso carries the title of manager, which he believes grants him more authority in decision-making.

He stated, "What I like is that we work together and we are all part of the decisions we take, we all feel responsible for that." Alonso is determined to build a strong squad, focusing on reinforcing the team effectively and aligning with the sporting directors for success.

Looking Ahead to the Season

With the majority of his squad available for pre-season training, Alonso is optimistic about the upcoming challenges. He highlighted the positive mindset of players like Cole Palmer, who returned eager to contribute after missing out on international call-ups.

Alonso believes that by creating an environment that allows players to showcase their talents, Chelsea can move closer to achieving success. He noted, "He is a special player, a different class with a different quality, and if we help him by building a team around him that allows his talent to shine, we will be closer to success. I am sure of that."