12th May 2026
May 12 – Chelsea are exploring a move for former Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso as the club continue their search for a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior – a development unlikely to go unnoticed on Merseyside.
Alonso, long viewed by many Liverpool supporters as the ideal future manager, is not under consideration at Anfield despite growing unrest around the club’s current direction under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s board remain committed to Slot heading into next season, even after a flat and increasingly unpopular campaign that has seen supporter frustration spill into protests over both performances and style of play. The possibility of Alonso instead resurfacing at Chelsea – another major Premier League rival – is unlikely to settle nerves among a fanbase that had long hoped the former midfielder would eventually return.
Chelsea’s interest is serious, although no decision has yet been made. Alonso is open to the role, while outgoing AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola also remains firmly in contention.
The 44-year-old Alonso has been out of work since being dismissed by Real Madrid in January, just seven months after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu.
His spell in Spain began brightly, with Madrid winning 10 of his first 11 LaLiga matches, including October’s Clásico victory over Barcelona. But a dip in form, combined with defeat to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final, saw the club pull the trigger midway through the season.
Alonso had arrived in Madrid with his reputation soaring after an extraordinary spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered the club’s first Bundesliga title during an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023/24, while also guiding them to the Europa League final.
The former Spain international spent five years as a Liverpool player between 2004 and 2009 and remains hugely popular with supporters following his role in the club’s Champions League-winning side.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are once again searching for stability after parting company with Liam Rosenior less than four months into his tenure. Rosenior had only arrived following Enzo Maresca’s departure in January, with Calum McFarlane currently overseeing first-team affairs on an interim basis.
Iraola also remains high on Chelsea’s shortlist, although the Spaniard is understood to be close to replacing Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace after confirming he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this summer.
For Liverpool supporters, though, the bigger concern may simply be watching one of the club’s most admired former players edge closer to another Premier League bench while Anfield stands still.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1778580499labto1778580499ofdlr1778580499owedi1778580499sni@g1778580499niwe.1778580499yrrah1778580499](javascript:;)