Chelsea: Xabi Alonso says ‘timing’ took him to Chelsea over Liverpool

Alonso is ChelseaThe club’s American owner, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, is its sixth permanent manager in four years under Bluco.

His predecessors Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenier held the title of head coach rather than manager.

Alonso comes with the lofty title of manager, which insiders say is not insignificant, although he still has to work with a five-strong sporting director’s team to recruit players.

Asked if giving him the title was important in giving him more authority, Alonso replied: “What I like is that we work together and part of the decisions we make, we all feel responsible for it.

“The end goal is clear and, for me, it should be.

“We are confident that we are doing the right things in the right way. The potential is there. I think a strong foundation and a good team is already there.

“We have to strengthen it in the right way and make good decisions to do that. The feeling is that we are aligned with the sports directors. The ultimate goal is to build a good team, the right squad and we are at that moment.”

Chelsea Excluded from European qualification after losing to Sunderland On the final day of the Premier League and 10th finish.

That has implications as well Chelsea Look at downsizing their squad, with star players such as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro left out of international call-ups for the World Cup after a disappointing end to the campaign.

Alonso has benefited from more time on the training pitch, with much of his squad already available for pre-season. He has seen Palmer bounce back positive and hungry after missing out on an England call-up.

“So far we have been together for a few days and he brings a positive mindset and a positive attitude. He wants to enjoy playing football,” continued Alonso.

“He’s a special player, a different class with a different quality, and if we help him by building a team around him that allows his talent to shine, we’ll be closer to success. I’m sure of it.”