For a few days now, it has been made clear that Chelsea’s preferred candidate to take over as manager is Xabi Alonso. But Liverpool remain active in pursuit of the former Anfield hero.
Ever since Liam Rosenior’s sacking, there have been three front-runners for the job. Xabi Alonso is right up there as a favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge, as are duo Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva.
What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? 🧐
Chelsea's potential XI under Xabi Alonso
Fulham are still hopeful of tying Silva down to a new deal, while Iraola has been strongly linked with Crystal Palace over the weekend. Alonso, who is out of work after being sacked by Madrid, is favourite.
But it appears Chelsea are not the only side interested in Alonso. The Spaniard has already turned down a move to replace Max Allegri at Milan because he is ‘destined’ to join Chelsea, but Liverpool are lurking.
Liverpool make phone call to Real Madrid to discuss Alonso
At Liverpool, Arne Slot is under pressure. Despite winning the Premier League last season and still being on course to finish in the top four, Liverpool fans are growing fed up with Slot and he could be sacked.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot in a training session.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Alonso has long been touted as a replacement at Anfield for Slot, given his past as a player for the Reds. Alonso was a key part of Rafa Benitez’s side that produced a stunning comeback against Milan in 2005.
According to AS, Liverpool made a phone call to Madrid in recent days to discuss Alonso, and understand why he was sacked and how he works as a manager. Liverpool have ‘doubts’ over the Spanish manager.
Alonso remains on Liverpool’s list of potential replacements for Slot, but the phone call to Valdebebas has not convinced the Reds to hire Alonso. That hesitation may give Chelsea a bit of clarity in their pursuit.
Jamie Carragher’s verdict on Chelsea hiring Xabi Alonso
It must not be forgotten that prior to his move to Real Madrid, Alonso sparkled as Bayer Leverkusen boss. He also impressed at Madrid initially, before things unravelled and the players stopped playing for him.
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Madrid have shown this season that they are a work in progress, with Barcelona winning the league. In fact, Madrid’s poor form under interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa shows just how hard Alonso had it at Madrid.
Speaking on Sky Sports recently, Jamie Carragher doesn’t think Alonso would take the Chelsea job given his Liverpool past: “I don’t see Xabi Alonso there, because of Chelsea being a big rival at the time.”
But with Liverpool having doubts over a move for Alonso ahead of the summer, Chelsea have the chance to move ahead of the Reds and bring Alonso back to English football. An interesting few weeks ahead.
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