"The Chelsea end was mostly empty by the time the players went to collect their losers' medals. There was no grand ovation for the beaten team. The disconnect was evident after defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, underlining how one of Xabi Alonso's first challenges as Chelsea's new manager will be to lift the mood and get players, fans and owners pulling in the same direction after a hugely disappointing season."
"Many people are wondering why Alonso has agreed to take over on a four-year deal. Why, after running into player power and reluctance to build a project at Real Madrid, would you choose Chelsea? Just how big is the payoff? Xabi Alonso confirmed as Chelsea manager on four-year contract The 44-year-old is the sixth permanent manager to work for Chelsea since the takeover by the BlueCo consortium in 2022."
"Alonso cannot plead ignorance if this move fails. The accusation that Chelsea are unmanageable could have put him off. Then again, there is an obvious appeal to the manager with the self-belief to ignore the pitfalls and instead focus on the positives. Alonso, bruised after his unhappy spell at Madrid, is ready to make the leap. It is a coup for Chelsea, the most prestigious appointment these owners have made."
"There was an easy rapport between Alonso and Chelsea's leadership team when they met in London. One theory is that his appointment represents a shift in club policy. It is not just that, though. Alonso sought assurances but he has not made demands about power. In a break with previous appointments Alonso has taken the title of manager rather than head coach but that was Chelsea's idea."
Chelsea’s end of season atmosphere was subdued after defeat, with no celebration for the beaten team and visible disconnect following an FA Cup final loss to Manchester City. Xabi Alonso’s move from Real Madrid raises questions about motivation and payoff, especially after player power and reluctance to build a project. The 44-year-old becomes Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager since the 2022 BlueCo takeover and cannot claim ignorance if results fail. Chelsea’s leadership had pursued Alonso for years, valuing his self-belief and leadership shown at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga in 2024. Early rapport in London included assurances without demands for power, and Chelsea framed him as a leader beyond a traditional coach.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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