Chelsea’s new manager insists he can restore success despite the club’s recent instability

Xabi Alonso says he believes Chelsea can quickly return to competing at the highest level despite taking charge of a club that has become known for frequent managerial changes.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager was officially unveiled at Stamford Bridge, where reminders of Chelsea’s recent title-winning history surrounded his first appearance. Large photographs of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte celebrating Premier League triumphs overlooked the room as Alonso outlined his ambitions.

Chelsea have appointed six permanent managers since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership group took control of the club, creating an environment where long-term stability has proved difficult to achieve.

Despite that record, Alonso said discussions with the club’s hierarchy convinced him that Chelsea represented the right opportunity.

He revealed that detailed conversations took place before accepting the role and said he is fully aligned with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart on the club’s vision and future plans.

Unlike several of his predecessors, Alonso has been appointed as Chelsea’s manager rather than head coach, a title that reflects a broader level of responsibility within the club’s football structure.

Although Alonso has signed a four-year contract, expectations remain high following Chelsea’s disappointing Premier League campaign. The club finished 10th last season and will spend at least one year outside European competition.

The new manager now inherits a squad that experienced significant problems throughout the previous campaign, including disciplinary issues, inconsistent performances and questions over leadership within the dressing room.

One of the biggest talking points has been the future of midfielder Enzo Fernández. Reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid gathered momentum before the Spanish club denied any interest.

Alonso said he has already spoken with Fernández and expects the Argentina international to return after the FIFA World Cup, adding that the player wants to remain at Chelsea.

The manager has also begun working with Cole Palmer, whose difficult season was compounded by his omission from England’s World Cup squad.

Alonso described Palmer as a special player who can become one of Chelsea’s most influential performers if he remains fit and enjoys his football again after recent injury setbacks.

Chelsea’s lack of discipline also emerged as a major issue last season. The team received 11 red cards, more than any other Premier League club and a new unwanted club record.

Alonso said creating the right mentality throughout the club will be central to his approach. He stressed the importance of professionalism, hunger and high daily standards, saying those expectations should apply across the entire organisation rather than only the first-team squad.

The club has already overseen significant changes during the transfer window.

Defender Marc Cucurella completed a move to Real Madrid, while midfielder Andrey Santos joined Manchester United. Young winger Tyrique George also departed for Everton.

Chelsea have strengthened the squad by signing Marco Palestra from Atalanta and teenager Geovany Quenda from Sporting.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave after reportedly being made available for transfer less than a year after arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Although several players remain away on international duty at the World Cup, Alonso believes Chelsea require targeted improvements rather than wholesale changes.

Reflecting on the club’s recent instability, he said he sees a team capable of competing consistently if the right balance is found and the correct decisions are made in the transfer market.

Alonso acknowledged that last season presented numerous challenges but insisted he remains optimistic about Chelsea’s prospects. He believes only a handful of adjustments are needed to transform performances and deliver a far more successful campaign.

Whether Alonso can finally end Chelsea’s cycle of managerial upheaval will become clear over the coming months. For now, he begins his Stamford Bridge journey believing the club can once again challenge near the top of English football.