Chelsea have reportedly initiated discussions with Xabi Alonso over the club's managerial vacancy, with the Spaniard expressing openness to the role. The Blues are seeking a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed in April after a brief tenure.
Alonso's Premier League Ambitions
Alonso, who previously managed Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, had already indicated his interest in managing in the Premier League. In April 2024, while still at Leverkusen, he stated: "You never know. At the moment I have enough on my plate to think about but I'm still young as a coach and for sure it's a nice thought."
The 44-year-old's potential move to Chelsea may surprise some given his strong ties to Liverpool, where he won the Champions League as a player. However, his return to Anfield was blocked, as Arne Slot remains in charge despite fan unrest.
Career Highlights and Recent Departure
Alonso's reputation soared after leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double and the Europa League final in 2023/24. He then took over at Real Madrid last summer but left after less than eight months, reportedly due to poor results and dressing room unrest.
Chelsea's Summer Plans
The Blues aim to appoint a new head coach by mid-June and are preparing for a busy summer transfer window, targeting a centre-back, central midfielder, and left-sided winger. Alonso is undeterred by Chelsea's recent managerial instability, with Rosenior lasting only 106 days.
