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 →
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