Xabi Alonso seeking assurances before making Chelsea decision
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Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month after 106 days in charge at Chelsea. Image Credits: Imago ImagesAfter being dismissed by Real Madrid in January, Xabi Alonso has been out of work, but is widely expected to take on a new role this summer.According to The Times, Chelsea are making positive progress in talks with Alonso, who is seeking assurances over the role before committing to becoming their new head coach.
He was left bruised by his spell at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed just seven months into a three-year deal.Alonso is the frontrunner to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month after 106 days in charge, with players in the Chelsea dressing room reportedly receptive to his candidacy.Chelsea have also drawn up a shortlist of at least five candidates, including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola – who has already confirmed he will leave at the end of the season – and Fulham’s Marco Silva.Both have been contacted, but talks with Alonso are progressing well, with the former Spain midfielder emerging as the standout option due to his pedigree as a player and early promise in coaching.Alonso won several titles as a player, including the Champions League with Liverpool, as well as domestic honours with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.As a coach, he led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, going unbeaten throughout the domestic season, while also guiding them to the Europa League final.The 44-year-old later succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but his tenure was cut short after relationships with key players reportedly deteriorated.Chelsea sit ninth in the Premier League and are set to miss out on Champions League qualification. Alonso remains a popular figure at Liverpool, where head coach Arne Slot is under pressure amid recent inconsistent form, though the expectation is that the club will continue with the Dutchman.
Alonso spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League and FA Cup.Chelsea parted ways with Enzo Maresca on January 1 after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy. Despite a difficult campaign, the Blues have still reached the FA Cup final, where they face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.