Chelsea Women's new manager Xabi Alonso says his decision to join the club was 'about timings'. The 44-year-old began work on the training pitch last week and spoke of his desire to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club.

What happened?

Alonso was asked why he joined Chelsea rather than Liverpool, his former club, and replied, '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.'

Why it matters for Chelsea Women

Alonso's appointment follows previous reporting by BBC Sport that he 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.

What comes next?

Alonso arrives with the loftier title of manager, which insiders say is not insignificant, though he will still have to work with the five-strong sporting director team on recruiting players. Asked whether being given that title was important in giving 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.'

Chelsea Women are currently 3rd in the FA WSL, with 49 points from 22 games, and a recent form of WWWWD. They are 6 points behind leaders Manchester City W. The team has scored 44 goals this season, with 20 conceded, resulting in a +24 goal difference.

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 Cole 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 continued. '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.'