Timing took me to Chelsea rather than Liverpool - Alonso

Xabi Alonso began work on the training pitch last week as Chelsea manager and spoke at his opening press conference on Monday. He stated his decision to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool was "about timings." Alonso, 44, expressed his desire to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club and is looking forward to the "big challenge" at Chelsea, which he considers one of the biggest clubs.

BBC Sport previously reported that Alonso had not been in contact with Liverpool before taking the Chelsea job. Liverpool had been expected to stick with manager Arne Slot when Alonso was appointed, but later made the "difficult decision" to sack Slot after a trophyless second season. Slot's replacement, Andoni Iraola, is a childhood friend of Alonso's from San Sebastian and shares the same agent. Alonso is Chelsea's sixth permanent manager in four years under American owners BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. His predecessors, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, held the title of head coach. Alonso arrives with the title of manager and will work with a five-strong sporting director team on recruiting players.