Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
The Spaniard has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge, and he will begin work in west London on July 1.
Standard Sport understands that he will be given greater decision-making responsibilities than some of Chelsea’s recent head coaches.
The Blues took their time in finding a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month after a run of five consecutive defeats without scoring.
Calum McFarlane was placed in interim charge - for the second time this season - as the BlueCo ownership sought a full-time replacement to take over at the start of the new campaign.
They moved for Alonso, who departed Real Madrid in January, just eight months into a three-year deal.
Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club
The former Liverpool midfielder, who played 210 times for the Reds in a five-year spell in England, previously managed Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, leading die Werkself to a maiden Bundesliga title, going unbeaten in the process, the DFB-Pokal and German Supercup.
In his first words as Chelsea manager, Alonso spoke of his “immense pride” at landing the role, and revealed how talks with the club hierarchy were key to reaching an agreement.
McFarlane will remain in charge for the final two games of the Premier League season - away at Tottenham on Tuesday before a trip to Sunderland next Sunday.
Alonso’s first game as Chelsea manager is currently set to take place in Sydney on July 31, against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Chelsea’s summer pre-season schedule is subject to change, so an earlier fixture in England is possible.
However, a first game at Stamford Bridge is not expected until August due to the 2026 World Cup.
