Alonso announced as new Chelsea boss after side loses in FA Cup final

Xabi Alonso has agreed a four-year deal to become the next permanent Chelsea head coach, Sky News understands.

It comes after the side lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The former Real Madrid manager emerged in the last few days as the leading candidate to replace Liam Rosenior.

The deal could be announced as soon as Monday, Sky Sports reports.

The Spaniard will become the fifth permanent appointment of the BlueCo ownership era, following Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.

The club had intended to take their time over the appointment of their next coach, and no decision had been expected before the end of the season.

In the FA Cup final on Saturday, Antoine Semenyo scored the winning goal after 72 minutes.

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Erling Haaland crossed low into the box and Semenyo, holding off Levi Colwill, allowed the ball through his legs, hung a deliberate right boot behind him and glanced it into the corner.

The winger joined the team in January from Bournemouth and this was his 10th goal for the club.

After back-to-back FA Cup final losses, City are champions again, completing a double of the domestic cups after their Carabao Cup win in March.

Pep Guardiola has now won 20 major trophies at the club.

There has been speculation all season that he may stand down this summer after a decade in charge.

But he has repeatedly noted he still has another year remaining on his contract, though he has also stopped short of explicitly committing himself beyond this season.

At a press conference on Friday, which saw him in a playful mood, he said: "So, 19 titles - fighting for the 20 in 10 years - it's not bad, honestly."

Guardiola's attention will now turn to the Premier League title race and playing Bournemouth away on Tuesday.

City will finish their season at home to Aston Villa on the final day, on Sunday, in a 4pm kick-off.

Chelsea will play Tottenham at home on Tuesday in an 8.15pm kick-off before completing their Premier League campaign at Sunderland on Sunday, also at 4pm.

(c) Sky News 2026: Alonso announced as new Chelsea boss after side loses in FA Cup final