Aritz Gabilondo, AS’s chief international football editor, reports that Xabi Alonso has been enjoying time away from football with his family, but his name is back in the spotlight. Firstly, because of how Real Madrid ended the season that began under his guidance, and secondly, due to the future opportunities emerging for next season.
A fresh and concrete option is now on the table: Chelsea. According to sources close to AS, the Blues have made contact with Alonso to become their next manager at Stamford Bridge, following a turbulent campaign that saw Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart. The club is seeking a young, methodical coach, and Xabi fits the profile perfectly.
Despite the often flashy approach of Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, which might not suit a rigorous coach like Alonso, the chance to lead a powerful Premier League side must always be considered. Alonso is listening to the proposal, and if he accepts, the job will be his—even though names like Iraola have also been linked. In recent hours, the Telegraph added Glasner and Filipe Luís to the mix.
There is a notable hurdle: Chelsea currently sit outside the European places, which could influence a coach’s decision. The club still has the FA Cup final and three Premier League matches left to turn things around. However, Xabi would not be put off by taking charge of a Chelsea side without European football—a situation that helped him win the Bundesliga with Leverkusen in his first full season.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool situation appears blocked. The season under Slot has been modest, but the Premier League title won last year gives him enough credit to stay beyond the summer. Xabi shares an important bond with Anfield and dreams of managing there one day, but that would require the Liverpool bench to become vacant—currently not the most likely scenario.
Chelsea aims to take advantage of this by moving for the highly-coveted 44-year-old coach. Many at Stamford Bridge believe they can secure him, though it remains possible that Xabi will wait for more enticing options to emerge. Everything should be clarified within a few weeks.
