Xabi Alonso has emerged as a candidate to become the next Chelsea manager, with a top source reporting “nothing is decided” but the Spaniard is “open to the possibility.”
Alonso has long been linked to Liverpool. In 2024, the club chose Arne Slot to succeed Jurgen Klopp over the ex-player, but with the head coach under pressure, reports from Spain suggest Alonso could take over this summer.
The UK press are reporting a totally different story, however,
Journalist David Ornstein told NBC that the Reds “fully intend to go into next season with Arne Slot as their head coach” and Alonso is “not under consideration at Liverpool at all.”
Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge (John Walton/PA)
Instead, Alonso’s name is now being spoken of in connection to the vacant Chelsea job, with the Londoners “exploring a deal to appoint” Alonso, according to Ornstein in the Athletic.
He wrote that Alonso is “open to the possibility” of joining Chelsea, “but at this stage nothing is decided.”
The *Independent*‘s Miguel Delaney reported a similar line, adding: “Alonso feels his football can fit the Chelsea squad, as the London club explore a deal to appoint the Basque as their next manager, according to sources with knowledge of the process.”
The 44-year-old isn’t the only coach being considered, with Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva among those reportedly on the club’s shortlist.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso waves to the Liverpool supporters after the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Sky Sports say that Chelsea want to appoint a manager by mid-June to replace interim coach Calum McFarlane.
This could leave Liverpool with a decision to make very soon. If they were to seek Alonso to replace Slot, they would have to move quickly as the Spaniard is in high demand.
As mentioned, Ornstein doesn’t think this will be the case, though. He said: “Liverpool will want to recruit for Arne Slot this summer, in particular in the wing positions.
“I would expect one or two to come in, and they think that will be crucial. And once they have come in, that’s when perhaps you can judge Arne Slot more fairly.”
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