Chelsea have reportedly identified Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso as their ‘early preferred choice’ to become the next permanent manager, but fears are growing that the Reds could scupper their plans. The Blues are searching for a new head coach after sacking Liam Rosenior last month, who lasted just 106 days at Stamford Bridge following Enzo Maresca’s departure in January.
Alonso Emerges as Top Candidate
According to the Daily Mail, the 44-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss is under serious consideration by Chelsea’s decision-makers. Alonso enjoyed immense success at Leverkusen, leading them to a stunning Bundesliga title in 2024, before a brief and unsuccessful stint at Real Madrid that ended after seven months by mutual consent. Since leaving the Bernabeu four months ago, Alonso is reportedly ‘ready’ to resume his managerial career, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming the Spaniard is ‘very open’ to opportunities across Europe.
Liverpool Interest Complicates Move
However, Chelsea face a major obstacle: Alonso’s strong ties to Liverpool, where he spent five years as a player and won the Champions League. Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Alonso as pressure mounts on under-fire manager Arne Slot, whose side has produced a dismal title defence this season. After a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, fans booed the team, and while reports suggest the club will back Slot, a large section of supporters want the Dutchman gone and would welcome Alonso’s return.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole commented on the situation, saying Alonso would ‘light up’ Anfield. ‘The club usually stick by their manager,’ Cole told TNT Sports. ‘People have said that Jurgen Klopp won Arne Slot the league last season, but it was Slot’s team. There have been circumstances, some of it tragic, then they’ve had issues with the new signings. Alexander Isak started poorly, Florian Wirtz hasn’t settled, Hugo Ekitike has been injured, and we’ve seen the difference between Mohamed Salah this and last season. There’s been so many factors, but I always come back to that fact that Xabi Alonso is available. That’s the one thing that’s always hanging there, and he might not be available again. We saw what he did at Bayer Leverkusen. It didn’t work out at Real Madrid, but, of course, Arne Slot should stay. Alonso is there, and this place would light up again with him in the hotseat.’
Chelsea’s Current Situation
Meanwhile, Chelsea themselves are in turmoil, having lost their last five Premier League games under Rosenior without scoring a goal. They currently sit six places and ten points behind Liverpool, who have also struggled. Other candidates for the Chelsea job include Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva. Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend, while Liverpool visit top-four rivals Aston Villa.
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