Alonso: Timing took me to Chelsea rather than Liverpool
Xabi Alonso explains that his decision to join Chelsea over Liverpool was a matter of timing. The Spaniard was officially unveiled as Chelsea head coach on Monday.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that his choice to join the London club rather than his former side Liverpool was down to timing. The 44-year-old was officially presented to the world's media on Monday, having been appointed in May and starting on the training pitch last week.
Alonso, who won numerous honours as a player at Liverpool including the 2005 Champions League, told BBC Sport: "It is about timings. I am here today at Stamford Bridge, talking to you. I am looking forward to this challenge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs and I am looking forward to having success here."
BBC Sport previously reported that Alonso had not been in contact with Liverpool in the weeks before taking the Chelsea job. Liverpool had been expected to stick with manager Arne Slot before making the difficult decision to sack him after a trophyless second season. Slot's replacement, Andoni Iraola, is a childhood friend of Alonso's from San Sebastian and shares the same agent.
Alonso is Chelsea's sixth permanent manager in four years under American owners BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. His predecessors Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior held the title of head coach, while Alonso arrives with the loftier title of manager. Insiders say this is not insignificant, though he will still work with a five-strong sporting director team on recruitment. Asked about the title giving more authority, Alonso replied: "What I like is that we work together and we are all part of the decisions. We all feel responsible. The ultimate goal is clear."
Chelsea missed out on European qualification after a 10th-place finish in the Premier League, losing to Sunderland on the final day. This has implications for squad reduction, and the disappointing end meant stars like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro missed World Cup call-ups. Alonso has benefited from more training time with most of the squad available in pre-season. On Palmer, he said: "He is a special player, a different class. If we build a team around him to allow his talent to shine, we will be closer to success."
