No trophy in turbulent season but Alonso arrival offers Chelsea hope

Breaking news from the world of sport: No trophy in turbulent season but Alonso arrival offers Chelsea hopeImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid in JanuaryByNizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter at WembleyPublished17 minutes agoOnly a few hundred dispirited Chelsea fans were still inside Wembley as Cole Palmer and Co trudged up the steps to collect their losers' medals following their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City. The news of Xabi Alonso's impending arrival as the club's new manager, which filtered out within the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0 loss, would have lifted their mood. The appointment of the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, 44, is expected in the coming days and he will be unveiled in pre-season, with his contract beginning on 1 July.

Win or lose at Wembley, Chelsea had already been close to making a decision on Liam Rosenior's replacement - and keen to avoid creating a distraction for players and staff involved in the showpiece occasion. There was, therefore, nothing to delay the announcement once the match was over, allowing attention to turn to the future. Although Alonso, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career and led Bayer Leverkusen to league and cup success in Germany, is an exciting appointment for supporters, there is also an acceptance he faces a difficult task.

Match Details

Chelsea are heading into a turbulent summer as the FA Cup final loss denied them another route into European competition. Champions League qualification is already out of reach, while a place in the Europa League looks unlikely with the club currently ninth in the Premier League with two games left and probably needing at least a seventh-placed finish. Conference League football would do little to improve finances or excite fans used to facing Europe's elite.

There is a realistic chance Chelsea will miss out on Uefa competition altogether. However, sources at the club strongly reject suggestions they would prefer to avoid qualifying for lesser competitions, or be content without European football, despite their settlement with financial regulators following significant spending on transfers. It leaves Alonso inheriting a team low on confidence, operating under financial constraints and facing wider personnel challenges.

Alonso reaches agreement in principle to be next Chelsea boss Published2 hours agoSemenyo scores winner as Man City beat Chelsea to lift FA Cup What do Blues see in Alonso? Chelsea are keen to learn lessons from this season and have been impressed by Alonso's knowledge, leadership, emotional intelligence and values. They also value his trophy pedigree and ability to work collaboratively within an established structure.

It's a very different group of players and structure to the one at Real Madrid, where Alonso's seven-month tenure ended in January after a falling out with several key players including Kylian Mbappe.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.