| Name | Xabi Alonso |
| Club | Chelsea FC |
| Nationality | Spain |
| Age | 44 (born Wed, 25 Nov 1981) |
Data: SportMonks · updated 4 Sept 2026
Xabi Alonso at Chelsea
Xabi Alonso has challenged Chelsea to find a better balance between attack and defence. Chelsea have scored freely under him this season. However, Alonso has made defensive stability a clear priority before Friday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.
Speaking ahead of the west London derby, Alonso admitted Chelsea’s attacking football has been encouraging. “It’s obvious that in defence we can do better,” he told Chelsea’s official website. Indeed, the issue has become more prominent after the draw against Hull. Alonso has previously admitted defensive problems exist under his system. He believes greater stability will come as his players grow familiar with his methods. Instead, he wants the whole team to defend together, not just the back four.
Career Before Chelsea
Alonso built his coaching career before arriving in west London. He first took charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, learning his trade in Spanish football. Bayer Leverkusen then gave him his first senior head coaching role in the Bundesliga. Finally, as a player, Alonso represented Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Career History Overview
Before joining Chelsea, Alonso’s coaching journey took him through three other clubs.
| Years | Club | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000–2004 | Real Sociedad | Player |
| 2004–2009 | Liverpool | Player |
| 2009–2014 | Real Madrid | Player |
| 2014–2017 | Bayern Munich | Player |
| 2019–2022 | Real Sociedad B | Manager |
| 2022–2025 | Bayer Leverkusen | Manager |
| 2025–present | Chelsea | Manager |
Major Honours Won
Moreover, as a player, Alonso won honours across Spain, England and Germany.
- UEFA Champions League – Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich (player)
- La Liga – Real Madrid (player)
- Bundesliga – Bayer Leverkusen (manager)
- FIFA World Cup – Spain (player)
- UEFA European Championship – Spain (player)
