MANAGER PROFILE
Liam Rosenior / Xabi Alonso (incoming) — Chelsea
CLUB
NATIONALITY
Rosenior: English. Alonso: Spanish.
BORN
Rosenior: 1984. Alonso: 1981, Tolosa, Spain.
APPOINTED
Rosenior appointed January 2026 after Maresca sacked. Alonso confirmed for 2026/27.
Playing Career
Alonso: Midfielder. Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich. World Cup winner 2010, Euro winner 2008 and 2012. Champions League winner with Liverpool (2005) and Real Madrid (2018). One of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Management Philosophy
Alonso’s management philosophy at Bayer Leverkusen was positional play, high pressing and a never-give-up mentality — he led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season. He is widely considered one of the most exciting young managers in world football.
Honours as Manager
Alonso: Bundesliga title 2023/24 (unbeaten), German Cup 2023/24. One of the most sought-after managers in the world.