Chelsea are poised to confirm the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new head coach with their move for the former Real Madrid boss coming hot of the heels of the FA Cup final
Xabi Alonso, Manager of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompié at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Chelsea are set to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new head coach(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Chelsea are on the verge of appointing Xabi Alonso as their next boss. And they could even make the announcement on Sunday after accelerating talks with the former Real Madrid manager.
Alonso, the former Liverpool star, has been tempted to Stamford Bridge ahead of other serious contenders including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva. Oliver Glasner was another contender, but they have all been seen off by Alonso.
It would represent a major coup for Chelsea because the ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss is still regarded as one of Europe's top managers.
Incredibly, it will be the SIXTH permanent manager of the Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly era, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
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Alonso has been locked in talks after Chelsea sounded out several candidates - but it quickly became clear he was their No 1 choice.
It represents a move away from young managers because Alonso is a big-name and that may also show a change in direction on the club's part. Chelsea fans have been protesting against the ownership and even held a 200 strong protest on Wembley Way to voice their frustration.
Maresca was axed just months after leading the club to a European trophy, the Champions League and also the Club World Cup. They have invested in young players on long contracts - but it has not worked this season.
The developments on Alonso follow Chelsea's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Xabi Alonso is being tipped to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach.
Alonso left Real Madrid earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)
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It should underline Chelsea's determination to get back to winning trophies after a disastrous season which saw them sack Rosenior after a disastrous run.
They now face a nightmare of missing out on the Champions League and may not even have European football next season.
But that has not stopped them being able to recruit Alonso to try and get back on the big stage.
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