Xabi Alonso appointed Chelsea manager on 19 May 2026

Xabi Alonso joins Chelsea today. This is a big change for the team after they had many managers in the past few years.

Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new manager of Chelsea, a move that has prompted a message of "good luck" from his former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher. The former defender, now a pundit, indicated that Chelsea's status as a major club means they will be a significant fixture on Monday Night Football next season, a program Carragher is involved with.

Jamie Carragher's text message to Xabi Alonso after becoming Chelsea manager - 1

Alonso himself expressed his pride in taking the helm at Stamford Bridge, citing shared ambitions with the club's ownership and sporting leadership as a key factor in his decision. This appointment places him firmly in the Premier League rivalry, having not recently engaged with Liverpool.

Jamie Carragher's text message to Xabi Alonso after becoming Chelsea manager - 2

Carragher, who shared the pitch with Alonso for 199 appearances at Liverpool, stated his hope for his friend's success in London. Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher acknowledged the "great move for Chelsea," while also referencing the club's recent history of managerial instability. He mused on the significance of Alonso's title, whether "manager" or "head coach," and its potential impact.

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Reports suggest Alonso might not adhere to a single tactical formation, hinting at an adaptive approach with the squad he inherits. This comes as Chelsea faces anticipation for a potentially revitalized season, possibly boosted by player readiness.

While Carragher's strong Liverpool allegiances might create a peculiar situation for him, his friendship with Alonso appears to override it. He admitted that for the first time, he might find himself supporting Chelsea due to his connection with the Spaniard. The idea of Alonso succeeding at Stamford Bridge, even at the expense of Liverpool's potential interest, has been a point of discussion, with some Liverpool fans potentially feeling disheartened. Carragher, however, has seemed to downplay any sense of Liverpool being "got at," stating his intention to support Chelsea under Alonso.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new Chelsea manager as of 19 May 2026?
Xabi Alonso has been officially named the new manager of Chelsea today. He plans to work with the club owners to improve the team's performance.
Q: What did Jamie Carragher say about Xabi Alonso joining Chelsea?
Jamie Carragher sent a message of good luck to his former Liverpool teammate. He said he might even support Chelsea now because of his friendship with Alonso.
Q: Why is Xabi Alonso joining Chelsea important for the Premier League?
This move brings a new tactical leader to Stamford Bridge. Fans are waiting to see if Alonso can bring stability to a club that has changed managers often.
Q: How many games did Alonso and Carragher play together at Liverpool?
The two players appeared together in 199 matches for Liverpool. This long history is why Carragher is publicly supporting Alonso's new job.