Chelsea fans and rivals alike are reacting to the high-profile appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club's new manager.
The announcement marks a turbulent period for the Stamford Bridge side, who have appointed three different coaches this year alone.
Alonso becomes the fifth permanent manager installed under BlueCo’s ownership, following Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior.
Current Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane expressed strong optimism about the decision.
"We are really excited, he is a great coach with massive pedigree," McFarlane said. "He has had a really good career so far, winning major trophies. He also had a great playing career."
McFarlane added that though it has been a disappointing season, the club has shown its quality, thus attracting top players and top managers. McFarlane will remain in charge for the remainder of the season, starting with Tuesday’s home Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, before Alonso formally takes over on July 1.
Supporters quickly flooded social media to share their expectations.
Chelsea fan Eddy Johnson commented, "Atleast Chelsea has produced a manager, record has it!"
Another supporter, Asrat Mulatu, scoffed, "Xabi is better tha Maresica," while Kwaku Kendrick Akwaboah stated, "...Atleast Alonzo won't be bad either... from his playing experience and with what he has also achieved as a manager..he has everything to do better at Chelsea..Hopefully these owners can support him with some big signings to improve the squad."
The news brought mixed emotions for rival fans.
Real Madrid supporter Abirr posted, "As a Madrid fannl, it hurts. Not because he is going there. But because we never gave him the chace he deserved!"
The 44-year-old Spaniard previously rose to managerial prominence during a historic tenure with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023–24, added the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final.
His accolades attracted Real Madrid, who appointed him as head coach.
However, his time there was short-lived, reportedly marred by tensions with senior players, resulting in his dismissal in January less than eight months into the role.
The Blues' ownership has spent over £1.8 billion on transfers since taking over in 2022.