Xabi Alonso has insisted that his decision to take the Chelsea job instead of returning to Liverpool came down to one simple factor: timing.

The former Spain midfielder, a Champions League winner at Anfield and a fan favourite from his five seasons on Merseyside, was unveiled as Chelsea’s new manager after a stellar spell in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. His arrival in west London coincided with growing uncertainty at Liverpool, where Arne Slot was dismissed shortly after Alonso’s appointment at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Alonso was asked directly why he chose Chelsea when a route back to Liverpool appeared to be opening up.

“Well, it is about timings,” he said. “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. I am looking forward to having success here.”

Alonso had long been viewed as a natural heir to the Liverpool dugout. He was heavily linked with the role when Jürgen Klopp’s departure was first confirmed and his work with young talents such as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong at Leverkusen only strengthened that perception among supporters.

Instead, Chelsea moved decisively, handing him the title of manager rather than the head coach label used for his predecessors. The distinction is significant at a club where power has often been fragmented between the touchline and the boardroom.

Alonso suggested the title reflects a broader remit and a more collaborative structure.

“What I like is that we work together and we are all part of the decisions we take, we all feel responsible for that,” he explained. “The ultimate goal is clear and, for me, it is the way it should be.”

He believes the foundations at Chelsea are strong, but accepts that the squad needs careful refinement rather than wholesale change.

“We are confident that we are doing the right things in the right way. The potential is there. I think there is a strong base and a good team already there. We need to reinforce it in the right way and take good decisions to do that.

“The feeling is that we are aligned with the sporting directors. The ultimate goal is to have a good team, build the right squad and we are in that moment.”