Xabi Alonso's job title changed by Chelsea as he signs four year contract

Xabi Alonso has been given a different job title to his predescessors at Chelsea, who handed him a four-year contract in the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

The Spaniard has been hired by the Blues a day on from their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, becoming the permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior after he was sacked in late April.

Alonso is the sixth permanent Chelsea boss since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club in May 2022 but there is a major difference between the 44-year-old and those that came before him.

Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca were all listed as "head coach" when they were appointed, but Alonso has been named as Chelsea's new "manager" on the club's official website.

According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports, this was a deliberate move by Chelsea. Alonso did not ask to be upgraded to manager, instead the club's top brass made the call following a series of encouraging meetings.

They had also held positive talks with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola but ultimately felt as though Alonso was the right man for the job.

Alonso has penned a four-year contract with Chelsea. Image: Getty

Taking to X, Solhekol revealed: "It was Chelsea’s idea for Alonso to have title of 'manager' instead of 'head coach' because they were so impressed with his leadership qualities. He did not ask to have the manager title."

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Being manager could mean Alonso is granted more involvement in Chelsea's recruitment plans, with the Blues looking to strengthen with around three of four new additions.

Still, there will be no changes to Chelsea's football leadership structure and the same five sporting directors - Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Sam Jewell, Joe Shields and Dave Fallows will remain in their roles.

Having left Real in January, Alonso officially starts work on July 1 and is excited to take charge of the two-time Champions League winners.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," he told the club's official website.

“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,” Alonso said in a Chelsea statement. “We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”

“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honor to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”