Xabi Alonso has explained his decision to take charge of Chelsea, describing the Blues as “one of the greatest clubs in the world” and expressing his ambition to achieve success at Stamford Bridge.
Asked why he chose Chelsea, Alonso said:
Why Chelsea? I love football, Chelsea is one of the greatest clubs in the world.
The Spanish coach added
I am proud and privileged to have this opportunity. It’s a club with such big potential. Now the desire and goal is to have success.
Softfootball understands Alonso will continue preparations for the 2026/27 campaign when Chelsea face Serie A giants AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium on Saturday, August 8.
The Blues head into the fixture looking to respond to their second consecutive pre-season defeat after Juventus secured a 1-0 victory in Chelsea’s previous outing.
AC Milan, meanwhile, arrive in Jakarta after playing out a 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter in their latest pre-season match.
The encounter will provide another opportunity for Alonso to assess his squad and implement his ideas as Chelsea build towards the start of the new campaign.
