Xabi Alonso has emerged as the early favourite to become the new Chelsea manager, and Blues chiefs are understood to be very impressed with what they have heard from the Spaniard so far.
Chelsea are on the hunt for yet another new permanent manager after deciding to part ways with Liam Rosenior after just three months at the helm.
Calum McFarlane is being tasked with the running of the first team for now, and has shown promising signs with the FA Cup semi-final win and draw at Anfield against Liverpool.
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Xabi Alonso impresses during Chelsea manager talks
In the meantime though, it has become clear that Alonso is keen on working in the Premier League, and a move to his former side looks unlikely given the somewhat safe future of Arne Slot.
The club have engaged with talks with the former midfielder over taking over, and according to TeamTalk have been very impressed with what they have learnt so far.
Xabi Alonso Press Conference For Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports
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The report goes on to say that Chelsea are fans of Alonso’s personality, as well as his vision for developing the young, promising squad at his disposal at Stamford Bridge.
It has always been said that the former Real Madrid boss will want more control over matters than was previously handed to the likes of Rosenior and Enzo Maresca, and it looks as if that has been acknowledged by the Blues chiefs.
Alonso is very much the standout candidate to many Chelsea fans, with Premier League figures Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva also on the shortlist.
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
Chelsea playing to Alonso’s strengths
Chelsea operated in a new formation for their draw against Liverpool which brought them a lot of success on the pitch on Saturday.
The Blues played in a 3-4-2-1 formation, the same as which Alonso used during his very successful time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
Marc Cucurella was the highest player on the pitch at times for Chelsea, not too dissimilar to how Jeremie Frimpong was used by Alonso.
It remains to be seen whether this would be Alonso’s preferred formation if he joins the club, but there were encouraging signs that his favoured system could bring success to Stamford Bridge.
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