Chelsea considers Xabi Alonso for managerial role
Chelsea are currently investigating the possibility of bringing Xabi Alonso to Stamford Bridge as their next permanent manager, reports BritPanorama.
The 44-year-old Spaniard has expressed a willingness to consider the role, although no final decision has yet been made as the club continues its search for a new manager following Liam Rosenior’s departure.
Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth presents another compelling alternative for the Chelsea hierarchy. The Bournemouth boss announced last month that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.
According to The Athletic, Alonso and Iraola are among the candidates under consideration alongside Marco Silva from Fulham as Chelsea seeks a long-term replacement. Alonso has been without a club since Real Madrid dismissed him on 12 January, with reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa taking over managerial duties.
Alonso’s brief tenure at the Bernabéu began with promise, as he secured victory in 10 of his first 11 league matches, including a notable win over Barcelona in the Clasico on 24 October. However, he parted ways with the club while it sat four points behind their arch-rivals after also falling to Bayern Munich in the Supercopa de España final.
Before taking the reins at Real Madrid, Alonso achieved remarkable success at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the team to a historic first Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season without suffering a single domestic defeat. Under his coaching, Leverkusen also reached the Europa League final, although they lost to Atalanta.
Chelsea’s managerial situation has been turbulent, with Rosenior dismissed on 23 April after less than four months in charge, following the exit of Enzo Maresca. Calum McFarlane is currently managing the team on an interim basis, guiding the players as the club aims to secure a stable leadership moving forward.
Alonso’s experience in the Premier League, having played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, adds weight to his candidacy. Meanwhile, Iraola’s recent success at Bournemouth has drawn attention for transforming the team’s style of play, positioning him as a noteworthy competitor for the role.
As Chelsea looks to navigate this transitional phase, the strategic appointment of a capable manager will be critical in restoring stability and achieving future success.
In football, the balance of power can shift rapidly; what one day seems clear can dissolve overnight, illustrating just how unpredictable the managerial carousel can be in elite sport.
