Despite what happened to him at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso’s reputation as one of the best young coaches remains.
The lure of living in London was a factor behind Alonso’s decision to ignore interest from other clubs. His wife Nagore loves the city, but her approval was a must. Daughters Ane and Emma will make the move, but son Jontxu is studying at university in Spain.
But what was it about Chelsea, who have handed him a four-year contract, that convinced Alonso it was the right step after Madrid?
“It had to be a lot from here (points at his heart and his head) and also from here (points to his gut). I saw it was good timing from the club, good timing for myself, a good opportunity.
“It is a team that has played really well recently and the situation was not as bad as it looked at the end of last season. There is a big potential to improve and let’s see how long (it takes).”
Read @SJohnsonSport’s interview with Alonso ⤵️
🔗 https://t.co/oaxz5ljABv
🗣 Wesley Fofana: "Pre-season or not, we want to win. It was a physical game but you expect that from a local derby, even if it was just a pre-season match.
We’re disappointed to lose, of course, but it’s okay. This is what pre-season is about, and it’s about getting ourselves ready for the new season. That is what we’ll do."
~ @ChelseaFC
🚨 Xabi Alonso: “I got a scar (from Real Madrid), but now it’s healed. Looking back, I take the positives and the things that didn’t work.
I’ve been very critical of myself, thinking about what I could have done better because it did not go as expected.” @TheAthleticFC
Xabi Alonso on joining Chelsea:
🗣 "It has to come from the gut. I felt it was good timing for the club and good timing for myself. It was a good opportunity and I felt I had the chance to enjoy being a manager."
https://t.co/oNHoMyhWW7
🚨NEW: Real Madrid are confident to CLOSE Yan Diomande’s signing this week.
Legal issues and RB Leipzig’s search for a replacement have delayed the official announcement. @AranchaMOBILE
🚨 Chelsea's sporting leadership team, led by co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have loved working with Xabi Alonso thus far. They have seen his enthusiasm.
(@kierangill_DM) #CFC
🚨🔵 Xabi Alonso on reshaping the Chelsea squad:
"You need the right balance of personalities and stages of maturity, with players in their early 20s, early 30s and everything in between."
(@NizaarKinsella) #CFC