Xabi Alonso officially began his duties as Chelsea manager on Thursday, arriving at the club's Cobham training base as players not involved in the World Cup returned for pre-season training.
Alonso, who signed a four-year contract in May, was pictured entering the first-team building and posing with the new Chelsea kit. His appointment signals the start of a new era for the London club as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
However, Alonso's first day was met with a blow regarding his transfer targets. Quotes emerged from Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, a player Alonso had previously worked with at Bayer Leverkusen and identified as a key addition to Chelsea's youthful squad. Chelsea had an £8 million bid for the 33-year-old rejected last month, with Sunderland reportedly deeming the offer "insulting."
Speaking after Switzerland's World Cup quarter-final match, Xhaka addressed the transfer speculation. "Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy," he stated. "I have decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I am ready to make history with them."
While Xhaka was reportedly attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Alonso, his decision to remain with Sunderland was influenced by discussions with the club. Factors such as the opportunity to compete in European competition, the club's long-term vision, and his strong connection with the fanbase were decisive. Sunderland has consistently maintained that Xhaka was not available for transfer.
Upon his appointment in May, Alonso expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," he said. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies."
Alonso added that he believes there is great talent and potential within the current squad and that his focus will be on hard work, cultivating the right culture, and achieving success.