Chelsea look to be prioritising a move for Xabi Alonso as their new manager, however Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has not given up hope of getting the job.
The Blues have been impressed by Alonso during talks regarding the managerial role, as they look to move on from the Liam Rosenior era at the club.
It has been reported that Chelsea want a new manager in place before the World Cup gets underway, and the Spaniard has emerged as the favoured candidate of the club.
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Andoni Iraola is waiting to take over at Chelsea
This seems to go against the thoughts of one of the owners, with Behdad Eghbali preferring to hire Andoni Iraola as the next manager.
His Premier League experience is a major selling point, as well as a reported urge to take over at Stamford Bridge.
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Journalist MaxFSport has reported that Iraola is ‘waiting on Chelsea’, although the Blues continue to prioritise talks for Alonso.
He said: “Xabi Alonso is the preferred candidate, but as predicted club will bat it down until they’re confident he wants to join. Iraola is waiting on Chelsea and Chelsea are waiting on Alonso.”
Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, and has been on the radar of Crystal Palace as well as the Blues for next season.
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Xabi Alonso’s stance on Chelsea
Many believed just a few weeks ago that Chelsea’s ownership were just never going to offer the control the former Real Madrid boss would want to take over.
However, Alonso is open to the possibility of managing Chelsea after original talks, as he eyes a switch to Premier League management.
Chelsea proved they can operate in Alonso’s favoured formation during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, switching to a three-at-the-back and finding success at Anfield.
The hiring of Alonso would be a sensational coup for Chelsea and their supporters, who are rapidly losing faith in the ownership and their quest to bring glory to Stamford Bridge.
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