Timing took me to Chelsea rather than Liverpool - Alonso

Timing took me to Chelsea rather than Liverpool - AlonsoTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, 'It's about timings' - why Xabi Alonso chose to join ChelseaByNizaar KinsellaFootball reporter at Stamford BridgePublishedJust nowCommentsChelsea manager Xabi Alonso says his decision to join the club was "about timings".The Blues boss, 44, was unveiled to the world's media on Monday after being appointed in May and beginning work on the training pitch last week.It was the first opportunity to ask why Alonso, who won an array of honours as a player at Liverpool, including the Champions League in 2005, had not ended up managing his former club.Asked why he joined Chelsea rather than Liverpool in an interview with BBC Sport, Alonso 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."It follows previous reporting by BBC Sport that Alonso had not been in contact with Liverpool in the weeks before taking the Chelsea job.Liverpool, meanwhile, had been expected to stick with manager Arne Slot when Alonso was appointed, before making 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 his native San Sebastian and shares the same agent.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alonso previously managed Real Madrid and Bayer LeverkusenChelsea is the way 'it should be'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 o...