Xabi Alonso at Chelsea for four years: This club needs continuity in winning trophies

Xabi Alonso is officially Chelsea's manager. Manager, not coach, is stated in his four-year contract, as the Spaniard will have incomparably greater authority and will control the Blues' transfer policy.

Even before the official presentation, Xabi Alonso took the liberty of making the collaboration official by sharing the Spanish brand's announcement on social media.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football. I am incredibly proud to take on the coaching role at this great club. From my discussions with the club's management and sporting sector, it is clear that we share similar ambitions. We want to build a team capable of consistently playing at the highest level and competing for trophies," he said on the Chelsea website, adding:

"The team is full of talented players, and this club has huge potential, so it's a great honour for me to take the lead. Now we have to focus on working hard, creating a real winning atmosphere and winning trophies," said Alonso.

He did not seek the position of manager in the negotiations, British media have learned, but that it was part of the offer from the owners of the "blues", due to the leadership qualities of the 44-year-old Alonso.