Only a few hundred dispirited Chelsea fans remained at Wembley as Cole Palmer and his teammates collected their losers' medals following a 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. However, the news of Xabi Alonso's impending appointment as the club's new manager provided a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of the loss.

Alonso, the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, is expected to be officially unveiled in pre-season, with his contract starting on July 1. Chelsea had been close to making a decision regarding Liam Rosenior's replacement prior to the match, aiming to keep focus on the game.

The appointment is seen as exciting for supporters, yet it comes with challenges. Chelsea faces a tumultuous summer after the FA Cup final defeat eliminated another path to European competition. With Champions League qualification out of reach and the Europa League looking unlikely, the club currently sits ninth in the Premier League, needing a seventh-place finish for any European football.

Alonso inherits a team struggling with confidence and financial constraints. Despite the challenges, Chelsea is optimistic about his leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and previous trophy success. The club hopes to learn from the past season's mistakes and values Alonso’s collaborative approach within their established structure.

While Alonso has been appointed as "manager" to reflect his seniority, he will collaborate with five sporting directors on player recruitment and key decisions. Chelsea aims to add a centre-back, midfielder, and forward, acknowledging the need for squad improvement.

Sources indicate excitement among players regarding Alonso's arrival, as he is tasked with reviving Chelsea's fortunes and restoring the club to its former glory.