Chelsea are making moves to appoint former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their next manager ahead of the new season.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have held talks with Xabi Alonso to be their next permanent manager. The Blues’ management considers him an outstanding fit for their long-term plans, recruitment model and style of play.
The initial discussions between the two parties have been very positive, as the London club are very impressed with his ideas, personality and vision for the young squad at Stamford Bridge. There is a high chance Alonso will be on their bench next season, as a report from The Athletic states that the Spanish manager is open to the move.
While the Blues continue to look at options, Alonso is believed to be the front-runner. As per a report from The i Paper, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (who will soon be a free agent) are two other top names on their shortlist. But the former Real Madrid boss has the backing of quite a few key people at Stamford Bridge.
Convincing him to take the Chelsea job will be a major coup, as he is one of the most sought-after managers in world football at this point. The Blues seem willing to change their transfer strategy and give Alonso a significant amount of control over transfers to make the move happen.
Alonso has enjoyed a sensational rise as a manager in recent years. He did wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, helping them win the Bundesliga unbeaten, before returning to his former club Real Madrid last summer. However, while his numbers at the Spanish club were decent, he failed to gain control over the dressing room, which led to his sacking at the start of the new year.
The Spaniard has been on the lookout for a new job ever since. Alonso has been extensively linked with a move to Liverpool to replace Arne Slot. But since Slot is likely to continue at the Merseyside club for another season, the Spanish manager is actively looking at other options.
Why do Chelsea want Xabi Alonso?
Chelsea have emerged as a potential destination, as they are on the lookout for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. While interim boss Calum McFarlane looks to steady the ship, the Blues are looking for a world-class manager who can guide them back to the top.
Alonso is seen as a perfect fit because of his track record of developing young players, his attacking style of play, and ability to handle pressure at an elite club. The club’s hierarchy was reportedly highly impressed with his ideas during talks, and given what he did in the Premier League as a player, the Blues believe he could better understand the players and help them out.
The 44-year-old has emerged as a leading candidate for the job, but further details will emerge when the West Londoners hand him an official offer. With Alonso open to arriving at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will fancy their prospects, having stepped up their efforts to land him.
