Chelsea clinch new manager immediately after suffering FA Cup final loss

Chelsea have clinched Xabi Alonso as their new manager immediately after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City 1-0.

The Spaniard is understood to have accepted the Blues' proposal, with Chelsea set to make an official announcement in the coming days.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss, with it being reported that he will sign a four-year deal.

The Blues have been keen to find a new replacement since sacking Liam Rosenior, who was fired after enduring a torrid run of form.

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Talks have been ongoing for weeks with the former Liverpool midfielder, with The Athletic reporting that Alonso will be involved in Chelsea's summer transfer plans.

The Blues were keen to put their FA Cup final loss out of fans' minds with the move for Alonso.

Calum McFarlane has overseen proceedings at Stamford Bridge in the interim, stepping out with Chelsea at Wembley in just his sixth game in charge.

Despite creating numerous chances throughout the game, his side could not find a way past James Trafford in goal, with Semenyo's goal the difference on the day.

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Alonso's managerial career began with Real Madrid's youth teams before spending three years at Real Sociedad's B team.

In 2022, the Spaniard started to make his mark with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, guiding them to a sixth-place finish and the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Alonso rolled out his 3-4-2-1 formation, playing with a high press and creating width with the overloads of wing-backs.

The 2023/24 season put the Spaniard's name on the managerial map, guiding Leverkusen to a double domestic, going undefeated in the process.

The incredible run ended Bayern Munich's 11-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga title and made Alonso one of the most appealing managers in world football.

The following season, he led Leverkusen to a DFL-Supercup after turning down summer interest from the likes of Liverpool and Bayern.

He eventually joined his former side, Real Madrid, but his tenure would be short-lived.

Alonso would depart Real in January 2026, just seven months into a three-year contract, after reports of a breakdown in relations between players and staff.

A dismal run of two wins in eight games, including a heavy derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, saw Real drop a comfortable five-point lead at the top of La Liga to being four points off rivals Barcelona, who would eventually go on to win the league.

The reported move to London marks a new chapter in the 44-year-old's managerial career, who are in desperate need of stability and guidance.

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