Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed speculation surrounding midfielder Enzo Fernandez's future ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he wants to see greater hunger and a desire to improve from his players as he prepares for his first Premier League season in charge.
Xabi Alonso has signed a three-year contract until June 2028 and the 43-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of his last game on Saturday.
'We've been talking during this week and now it's the right moment to announce it.'
Spain's Xabi Alonso has retired from international football, the World Cup and twice European Championship winning midfielder said on Wednesday.
Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, has shown renewed attacking vigour with two Premier League wins and a League Cup victory, highlighted by a 4-3 win over Brighton, but defensive vulnerabilities persist, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 18 league games. The arrival of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to bolster the backline.
Mikel Arteta is relishing his first Premier League meeting with close friend Xabi Alonso, calling it an incredible opportunity as Arsenal host Chelsea in a clash between unbeaten sides.
Chelsea secured a breathless 3-2 victory over West London rivals Fulham in Xabi Alonso's first Premier League match as coach, with goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer.
England midfielder Morgan Rogers is an ideal signing for Chelsea and could form an exciting partnership with midfielder Cole Palmer, new manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday.
Liverpool have agreed to sell Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, the two clubs announced on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old, who quit international football in 2014, took to Twitter, to reveal his decision.
Xabi Alonso will take over as Chelsea's new manager, the Premier League club said on Sunday, with the Spaniard signing a four-year deal beginning on July 1.
Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Luton Town, with Danny Welbeck scoring on his debut, while Fulham beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0, marking new manager Alvaro Arbeloa's first win.
Chelsea have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract after his departure from Brentford, marking a significant addition to their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
'I never thought I would have such a great career and I hope there are still some more things to be added to those'
Arsenal successfully defended their Premier League title challenge by defeating Chelsea 2-1, recovering from an early concession with goals from Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard, maintaining a perfect start to the season.
Real parted ways with Alonso a little more than seven months after appointing him, following a poor run of results in all competitions.
Real Madrid confirmed that they have parted ways with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa after reaching a mutual agreement, the Spanish club said on Tuesday.
Chelsea made it two wins from two under Xavi Alonso, surviving Brighton's dramatic comeback to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and continue their high-scoring Premier League start.
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence as the hunted, facing heightened expectations and a reshaped league featuring new managers, major departures and ambitious rivals challenging their supremacy.
Liverpool's early season woes persisted with a goalless draw against Fulham, while Chelsea needed a late equaliser from Joao Pedro to salvage a 2-2 draw against surprise package Hull City. Nottingham Forest secured a late win against Aston Villa, and 10-man Crystal Palace fell to Ipswich Town in a thrilling encounter.
Manchester City have agreed a Man City Match Transfer Record With $169m Fernandez Blockbuster million deal for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, matching the Premier League record and taking their summer spending close to 400 million.
English Premier League clubs set an unprecedented spending record of US$ 4.7 billion in the summer transfer window, significantly outspending other major European leagues.
Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for the right fee if they can strengthen midfield first, while City remain keen despite missing Chelsea's deadline.
In an eventful match with plenty of needle, Vinicius was fired up, snapping into tackles and encouraging the crowd to make more noise
Champions Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season and moving clear at the top. Meanwhile, title contenders Liverpool and Chelsea were held to draws against Fulham and Hull City respectively. Other notable results include Aston Villa's loss to Nottingham Forest, Ipswich's win against Crystal Palace, and Tottenham's continued struggle to score goals.
The system, featuring three centre backs and aggressive wing backs, marked a significant departure from the traditional 4-3-3 formation and appeared to address Real's defensive frailties from a disappointing, trophyless 2024-25 campaign.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso declined to comment on Saturday after Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal suggested the capital club "cheat" and "complain" in a televised interview on Friday.
Premier League champions Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City when the 2026-27 season kicks off on August 21.
Kylian Mbappe criticised Real Madrid's lack of hunger and consistency after their 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica, saying champions must show desire every time as Real slipped into the playoffs.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract through to June 2028, with an option for a further season, after he guided them to a 29th LaLiga title, the club said on Monday.
Pedro Porro has emerged as a pivotal player for Spain in the World Cup, transforming the right-back position into a strength. His exceptional performance against France in the semi-final, where he scored and was named MVP, has solidified his place, drawing parallels to Marc Cucurella's rise. Porro's defensive prowess and attacking contributions have been crucial for Spain's journey to the final against Argentina.
Real Madrid has fined Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni after a training ground fight that resulted in Valverde sustaining a head injury. The incident follows a period of unrest within the team, including a heated argument between Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Ruediger. Real Madrid's season has been turbulent, with a managerial change and a significant gap behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
Tensions within Real Madrid's squad have escalated, with a dressing room fight between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni resulting in Valverde being hospitalised.
Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea has increased their risk of Premier League relegation, while Chelsea's victory boosts their chances of European qualification.
Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.
Xabi Alonso guided Bayer Leverkusen to a double last season as they won the German Cup and lifted their first Bundesliga title without losing a game.
Manchester City has announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who previously coached City's youth team and served as assistant coach, returns to the club after guiding Leicester City to the Premier League title. He faces the significant challenge of maintaining City's dominance following Guardiola's highly successful decade-long tenure.
