Chelsea have been linked with a move for Xabi Alonso, and the former Liverpool midfielder is reportedly willing to take the Blues head coach job on one condition
Xabi Alonso is reportedly prepared to take the Chelsea head coach role – but only if he receives assurances regarding his ability to develop a long-term project. It is claimed the ‘chaotic approach’ of the club’s owners, BlueCo, is a source of concern for Alonso and his representatives.
The Independent report that the Spaniard would seek guarantees over how Chelsea would be operated were he to take charge as head coach. It is suggested that Alonso wishes to properly implement his footballing philosophy at the club.
These reservations follow a difficult stint at Real Madrid earlier this season, during which he was hindered by player influence and broader issues. It is precisely why the 44-year-old is keen to ensure he does not find himself in a comparable situation.
Alonso could be inheriting a side with considerable uncertainty surrounding which European competition they will qualify for next season. Should Chelsea, who currently occupy ninth place in the Premier League, lift the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm kick-off), they would secure a Europa League berth.
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Were they to finish sixth, the Europa League position via Premier League standing would be awarded to seventh, with the Conference League spot going to eighth.
Should Chelsea finish outside the top seven, they would simply claim their Europa League berth as FA Cup winners, with no additional European spot being awarded to the Premier League.
The former Liverpool midfielder has also been among the high-profile names touted for the Reds job amid mounting pressure on current manager Arne Slot.
Slot’s side have endured a dreadful Premier League title defence and are yet to secure a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. The Reds face Aston Villa on Friday night (8pm kick-off) knowing that nothing less than a victory will guarantee their participation in Europe’s premier club competition for another season.
Liverpool’s difficulties under the former Feyenoord boss have sparked speculation that he could be replaced, although the Dutchman maintains he has no reason to believe he faces the sack. The 47-year-old revealed he has already been making plans for the forthcoming season at Anfield.
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He said: “I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season. First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.
“But if you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare with last season – if you compare it with other seasons you might have a different debate – but if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes.
“We have all had our share, and with ‘all’ I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”
