Former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder starts on 1 July Alonso feels ‘immense pride to be manager of great club’ Former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder starts on 1 July Alonso feels ‘immense pride to be manager of great club’ Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spaniard has signed a four-year deal and will start work in pre season. He becomes the sixth permanent manager of the BlueCo era. The former Real Madrid head coach will take charge of the Blues