It was confirmed on Sunday morning that Alonso would be our new manager, with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss starting in the role at the beginning of July, ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Alonso was a serial winner as a player, lifting the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, as well as two Champions Leagues and four league titles during his time at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Upon retirement, he had spells in Real Madrid's academy and at Real Sociedad B before taking the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, where he guided the club to their first ever Bundesliga title as the German side became the first club in 12 years in Europe's top five leagues to go unbeaten on their way to the title.

Following another season at Bayer, he joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 before leaving the Spanish club by mutual consent in January.

Our interim head coach McFarlane was asked for his reaction to the news at his press conference at Cobham today.

‘It’s really exciting,’ said McFarlane.

‘He’s a great coach with massive pedigree. He's had a really good career so far, winning major trophies. He also had a great playing career.

‘He'll have a lot of respect from everyone and it's a really exciting appointment for the club. We're all looking forward to working with him.’

McFarlane explained why it is no surprise a manager of Alonso’s stature has decided to join Chelsea.

‘It's a massive club and we've got really exciting players playing here – some of the best players in the world,’ McFarlane pointed out.

‘Even though it's been a disappointing season, we have shown at times this season the quality that we have. It's a massive club and it will always attract top players and top managers.’