Chelsea FC manager Xabi Alonso has revealed timing was the deciding factor in his move to Stamford Bridge rather than Anfield. The 44-year-old, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 as a player, began his first week in charge last week and spoke at his opening press conference on Monday about keeping Enzo Fernández at the club.

Why timing ruled Alonso’s choice

Alonso was asked directly why he joined Chelsea instead of Liverpool in an interview with BBC Sport. He said: “Well, it is about timings. I am here today on my first day at Stamford Bridge, talking to you. I am looking forward to this challenge—a big challenge—and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs and I am looking forward to having success here.”

Liverpool, meanwhile, had been expected to stick with manager Arne Slot when Alonso was appointed. The Reds then made the “difficult decision” to sack Slot after a trophyless second season in charge. Slot’s replacement, Andoni Iraola, is a childhood friend of Alonso’s from San Sebastián and shares the same agent.

What the ‘manager’ tag means at Chelsea

Alonso is Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in four years under the club’s American owners BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. His predecessors Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior held the title of head coach rather than manager. Alonso arrives with the loftier title of manager, which insiders say is not insignificant, though he will still work with the five-strong sporting director team on recruiting players.

Asked whether the title gave him more authority, Alonso replied: “What I like is that we work together and we are all part of the decisions we take. We all feel responsible for that. The ultimate goal is clear and, for me, it is the way it should be. We are confident that we are doing the right things in the right way.”

Alonso’s blueprint for success

Chelsea missed out on European qualification after losing away to Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season and finishing 10th in the table, 33 points behind leaders Arsenal. That has had implications as Chelsea look to reduce the size of their squad, while a disappointing end to the campaign saw star players such as Cole Palmer and João Pedro miss out on international call-ups for the World Cup.

Alonso has benefited from more time on the training pitch, with the majority of his squad already available during pre-season. He has also seen Palmer return positive and hungry after missing out on an England call-up. “So far we have been together for a few days and he has come in with a positive mindset and positive spirit. He wants to enjoy playing football,” Alonso said. “He is a special player, a different class with a different quality, and if we help him by building a team around him that allows his talent to shine, we will be closer to success. I am sure of that.”

League standing: Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League with 52 points from 38 games (14 wins, 10 draws, 14 losses), with recent form reading LWDLL. They scored 58 goals and conceded 52 this season (+6 goal difference).