If the last 24 hours have told us anything, Xabi Alonso is the man Chelsea want to appoint as the club’s next manager. Now, David Ornstein has an update regarding Alonso and a possible Liverpool move.
Ever since Liam Rosenior was sacked, the three front-runners for the Chelsea job have included Alonso. Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola have also been strongly linked, as have Oliver Glasner and Filipe Luis.
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But over the last 24 hours, it has become apparent that Alonso is Chelsea’s no.1 target. Indeed, it is now claimed that Alonso is open to joining Chelsea, and the Spaniard will even join without European football.
However, when it comes to Chelsea, there are always doubts that BlueCo can get it over the line. On the outside, it feels an easy deal to do. Alonso is keen; he is a free agent. But Liverpool remain a danger.
David Ornstein’s update on Xabi Alonso and a Liverpool move
Plenty of Liverpool fans are hoping for a change in the dugout themselves this summer. Arne Slot won the Premier League last season, but this time, the Dutchman has struggled despite huge investment.
There have been some suggestions that Liverpool might consider Alonso this summer. Jamie Carragher said on Monday night that he thinks Alonso would love to manage Liverpool, but Slot is set to remain.
That is according to David Ornstein, who told NBC Sports before Monday’s game between Tottenham and Leeds that Liverpool are not considering a change. It gives Chelsea a free run at hiring Alonso.
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“Within the last hour, I have reported that Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next head coach. It was suggested by many that he would be a strong contender,” Ornstein reported.
“As I understand it, Xabi Alonso is open to this possibility, although nothing has been decided and the process at Chelsea is ongoing. Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth, is also a strong contender.
“Let’s see how these next days and weeks pan out because this is an enormous decision for Chelsea. Talking of Xabi Alonso, he has for some time now, years, been heavily linked with Liverpool,” he added.
“Many fans are clamouring for him to return to Anfield. But my information is that Alonso is not under consideration at Liverpool at all. Liverpool fully intend to go into next season with Slot as head coach.”
What Alonso thinks of the Chelsea squad amid talks
Ask most Chelsea fans, and they feel this Chelsea squad is devoid of experience and leadership. Plenty have suggested that BlueCo need to change their approach and sign some older players they can rely on.
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Joe Cole has suggested three signings: Robert Lewandowski, Jordan Henderson and John Stones. Adding players like those will give the young stars at Chelsea a player they can turn to when things get tough.
Alonso, however, is said to feel he can win success with this Chelsea side as it is, albeit with a few key signings in the upcoming window. It is clear that this summer, whoever is in charge, is absolutely massive.
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