Xabi Alonso explains why he chose Chelsea over Liverpool

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he had no doubts about accepting the offer from the London club, despite previously being linked with the managerial position at Liverpool.

The Spanish coach made his mark as a Liverpool player, most notably in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul. Speaking on his first day at Chelsea, Alonso explained why he ended up at Stamford Bridge instead of Anfield, CE Report quotes MIA.

"It was all about timing. Today I am here on my first day at Chelsea. I am excited about this new challenge. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I want to leave my mark," Alonso said.

At the time, Liverpool had no intention of dismissing manager Arne Slot, although the club later decided to part ways with him. Liverpool subsequently appointed fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola, a childhood friend of Alonso, as their new head coach.

Alonso was dismissed as Real Madrid manager last season after previously enjoying a highly successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

Photo Instagram/xabialonso