Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated that his choice to take the role at Chelsea instead of Liverpool was “about timings.”
Alonso, who played for Liverpool for five seasons from 2004 to 2009, was appointed Chelsea’s manager in May and conducted his first training session with the team last week.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Alonso explained his decision to join Chelsea over Liverpool, which had just dismissed head coach Arne Slot two weeks prior to his arrival in London.
“Well, it is about timings,” he remarked. “I am here today on my first day at Stamford Bridge, talking to you.
“I am eager to embrace this challenge, which is significant, and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs. I look forward to achieving success here.”
In 2024, Alonso was rumored to be in line for the Liverpool job as Jürgen Klopp’s departure approached, and again this year as calls for Slot’s exit grew.
Many noted his impressive work with Liverpool players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong during their time under him at Bayer Leverkusen.
Ultimately, however, Alonso became Chelsea’s manager, receiving a different title than the head coach designation of his predecessors.
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When discussing whether his new title grants him more authority, Alonso shared with BBC Sport: “What I appreciate is our collective approach; we are all involved in the decisions we make and share responsibility.
“The ultimate goal is evident, and that’s how it should be.
“We believe we are making the right moves in the correct manner. The potential is there, and I think we have a solid foundation and a good team.
“We need to enhance it strategically and make wise choices. The sentiment is that we are in agreement with the sporting directors. The goal is to cultivate a strong team and build the right squad, and we are in that process.”