Updated: 11 May 2026 19:33 BST |
4 min read
Xabi Alonso is emerging as a leading contender for the vacant head coach position at Chelsea, with David Ornstein confirming that “positive” talks have already taken place.
The Stamford Bridge club are looking for their sixth permanent manager of the BlueCo era following last month’s unsurprising sacking of Liam Rosenior. At present, Calum McFarlane is in interim charge of the side, and he is expected to keep the role until the summer.
Chelsea want to take their time in making a new appointment, though they are planning to have a head coach ready to be unveiled before the World Cup starts. They know that they need to get this right after Rosenior’s disastrous spell.
Several names are in the frame, and nothing is decided yet, but various credible sources now suggest that former Real Madrid manager Alonso is quickly emerging as a top option for the job.
Already on Sunday, reports surfaced that Chelsea had held “positive” discussions with the 43-year-old. Alonso was sacked by Los Blancos in January after a dressing room revolt over his attempts at modernising the club.
Alonso emerging as top contender for the Chelsea gig
Earlier on Monday, Ben Jacobs corroborated that the Blues are in discussions with the entourage of Alonso. He added that the former midfielder is keen on taking a Premier League job this summer.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has now also chimed in and confirmed that Chelsea are “exploring a deal” to appoint the former Spain international. Alonso is “open to the possibility” of taking the job at Stamford Bridge.
Ornstein makes sure to emphasise that there has been no final decision from the club nor from Alonso at this stage. Chelsea are still firmly in the process of seeking out potential candidates, and more names are being explored.
Indeed, departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also still in the frame. The 43-year-old hails from the same province in the Basque Country as Alonso and used to play for the same youth club, alongside Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea are not Iraola’s only option. He is Crystal Palace’s preferred choice to succeed Oliver Glasner, though the Eagles believe that he is keen on a bigger, more attractive job. He has also been linked with Ajax.
Alonso, meanwhile, has been mooted as a potential replacement for Massimiliano Allegri, who could be sacked by AC Milan if they slip out of the Champions League spots in Serie A amid a poor run of form.
For a long time, it also seemed that Alonso would be destined to take charge of his former club Liverpool. However, the Reds appear to be determined to back Arne Slot, despite the club’s hugely unimpressive form not just this season but over the past 12 or so months.
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