Xabi Alonso's response when asked about future of three Chelsea players on live TV

Xabi Alonso responded instantly after being asked about the future of three of his Chelsea players after taking the job at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Real Madrid in the middle of the season, Alonso has made a swift return to management with the Blues, signing a four-year contract.

The Spaniard has become the sixth permanent Chelsea boss since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club in May 2022 and has been given the title of "manager" instead of "head coach".

Reports say the decision was made by Chelsea after being impressed by Alonso in meetings and he now looks set to be afforded more power in his position.

Alonso is yet to take part in his first press conference as a Chelsea manager, but his first comment around his new job outside of the club's official website came in an impromptu street interview with El Chiringuito.

Alonso was stopped by the Spanish outlet and told the station that 'Chelsea is a beautiful project' and a 'very good option' after taking the reins.

He was also quizzed on the fact there are rumours swirling that key members of his squad are being courted by big clubs, with the futures of Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella.

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"This is football; we’re going to make a good team."

When will Alonso start work at Chelsea?

While Chelsea announced Alonso's appointment last week, the Spaniard will not start work at Stamford Bridge until July 1.

As part of his Real Madrid contract, it was stipulated that the former Liverpool midfielder would only receive his salary up until the end of this season - despite signing an initial three-year deal to take over at Los Blancos.

That could form part of the reason behind Alonso's exact start date at Chelsea, given that contracts traditionally expire on June 30 across European clubs.

Following his appointment, Alonso described Chelsea as 'one of the biggest clubs in world football' in a statement published on their official website.

"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition," he stated.

"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 honour to lead it.

"Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

Alonso will become the fourth manager to take charge of a Chelsea match in the space of eight months when the new Premier League season gets underway, with Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane all having been in the Blues hotseat since December of last year.