Xabi Alonso “open” to Chelsea job
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Xabi Alonso is reportedly open to now taking the vacant Chelsea job in a move that could frustrate large sections of the Liverpool fanbase. Image Credits: Imago ImagesThe managerial merry-go-round in English football is spinning at full speed this summer, with Chelsea and Xabi Alonso in the middle of it.After parting ways with Liam Rosenior, the Blues are on the hunt for their sixth permanent manager in just four years – a statistic that speaks volumes about the chaos at Stamford Bridge.
With a squad brimming with expensive talent but starved of consistency, Chelsea’s hierarchy know they need to get this appointment right.And according to the latest reports, they may have their man. The i Paper are reporting that former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso is now “open” to taking the hotseat at Chelsea this summer, where he is currently top of the Blues shortlist.The Spaniard, who was sacked by Real Madrid in January, reportedly “wants to get back into management this summer” and as a result won’t want to wait to see if Liverpool decide to part ways with Arne Slot in the summer.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva of Fulham also remains in the conversation, making it a compelling three-horse race for one of the Premier League’s most high-profile vacancies.Chelsea are understood to be targeting an appointment before the summer World Cup kicks off, keen to give their new head coach maximum preparation time.It’s suggested that the London club could be willing to grant more “more control” over footballing decisions than previously allowed, something they will have to do should Alonso decide to to take the job.
Given the club’s well-documented history of boardroom interference, that could prove to be the sticking point in negotiations.Alonso was the name on many Reds fans’ lips when Jurgen Klopp stepped down in 2024, only for the Anfield hierarchy to opt for Arne Slot instead.But Slot staying put is now all but confirmed. Sky Sports understands the Dutchman will remain Liverpool’s head coach for the 2026/27 season, with Fenway Sports Group backing him to build on last year’s Premier League title triumph.So, Reds fan may have to prepare for the sight of seeing Alonso back in the Premier League, just not sitting at the Anfield dugout.