SpotlightBBC SportUnverified source· 2 Aug 2026
Alonso heals Real Madrid scars to lead Chelsea's senior revolution
Xabi Alonso, once scarred by a Real Madrid exit, now drives Chelsea's senior revolution with a gut feeling.
Xabi Alonso
coach
Age
44
Role
Chelsea coach
Background
Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Spain player
Key stat
Won 2010 World Cup with Spain
What happened. Xabi Alonso, now a Chelsea coach, opened up about healing from his Real Madrid exit and his gut feeling to join the club, seeing it as an exciting opportunity.
- Alonso left Real Madrid less than eight months into a three-year contract.
- His father Periko Alonso, a former Spain international, influenced his coaching path.
- He started coaching in under-14s before rising to senior level.
“The road was not unknown for me. I had seen that at home.”
— Xabi Alonso
Alonso is on Chelsea's pre-season tour in Australia, impressing players with his coaching style.
Read the full story at BBC Sport →
J. Alonso
ChelseaMore to read
Football.London
Xabi Alonso interview: Why he chose Chelsea, Real Madrid 'scars', San Sebastian and transfers
Football.London
Xabi Alonso interview: Why he chose Chelsea, Real Madrid 'scars', San Sebastian and transfers
BBC Sport
Fernandez booed by Chelsea fans as Alonso offers glimpse of blueprint
Football.London
Angry Chelsea fans turn on Enzo Fernandez after failed escape plan
