"Only a few hundred dispirited Chelsea fans were still inside Wembley as Cole Palmer and Co trudged up the steps to collect their losers' medals following their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City. The news of Xabi Alonso's impending arrival as the club's new manager, which filtered out within the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0 loss, would have lifted their mood. The appointment of the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, 44, is expected in the coming days and he will be unveiled in pre-season, with his contract beginning on 1 July."
"Win or lose at Wembley, Chelsea had already been close to making a decision on Liam Rosenior's replacement - and keen to avoid creating a distraction for players and staff involved in the showpiece occasion. There was, therefore, nothing to delay the announcement once the match was over, allowing attention to turn to the future. Although Alonso, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career and led Bayer Leverkusen to league and cup success in Germany, is an exciting appointment for supporters, there is also an acceptance he faces a difficult task."
"Chelsea are heading into a turbulent summer as the FA Cup final loss denied them another route into European competition. Champions League qualification is already out of reach, while a place in the Europa League looks unlikely with the club currently ninth in the Premier League with two games left and probably needing at least a seventh-placed finish. Conference League football would do little to improve finances or excite fans used to facing Europe's elite. There is a realistic chance Chelsea will miss out on Uefa competition altogether."
"However, sources at the club strongly reject suggestions they would prefer to avoid qualifying for lesser competitions, or be content without European football, despite their settlement with financial regulators following significant spending on transfers. It leaves Alonso inheriting a team low on confidence, operating under f"
Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat left only a few fans at Wembley as players collected runners-up medals. News of Xabi Alonso’s impending appointment as new manager spread after the 1-0 loss, with an expected unveiling in pre-season and a contract starting 1 July. The club moved quickly after the match to avoid distractions. Alonso’s arrival brings excitement, but the task is difficult. Chelsea face a turbulent summer because the FA Cup loss removed another route into Europe. Champions League qualification is out of reach, Europa League qualification appears unlikely, and Conference League football would not significantly improve finances or fan excitement. There is a realistic chance of missing UEFA competition entirely, though the club rejects any preference for avoiding lesser competitions.
Read at www.bbc.com
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