Chelsea hopes to appoint a new manager before the World Cup starts
Xabi Alonso emerges leading candidate for Chelsea head coach role
Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender for the head coach role at Chelsea, as the Premier League club continues their search for a permanent manager to lead the dugout next season.
Chelsea have been without a permanent manager since the sacking of Liam Rosenior on April 22, following a series of disappointing performances by the team.
Now, the former Bayern Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager is reportedly the leading candidate for the vacant role at Stamford Bridge.
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Meanwhile, several candidates are believed to be under consideration for the role, including Andoni Iraola, who has already confirmed he will leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season, as well as Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, also set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of this season, and former CR Flamengo head coach Filipe Luís.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, talks have reportedly been started, and both sides are hopeful of agreeing a deal, with the Spanish manager understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Jacobs, further indicates that the former Blues left back, Luis was being discussed for the vacant role at other BlueCo club, Strasbourg prior to Gary O’Neil’s appointment.
Another name thrown into the mix for the Blues is another Blues midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, who almost seemed to have guided Serie A side Como to European qualification for the very first time in their history.
FC Porto boss, Francesco Fariola is one candidate appreciated by the Chelsea bosses, but looks all set to stay with the Poertuguese champions.
Alonso has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches after taking over Bayer Leverkusen, where he transformed the club from relegation candidates into Bundesliga champions.
The 45-year-old guided Leverkusen to their first-ever league title in the 2023/24 season, while also completing an unbeaten domestic campaign and winning the DFB-Pokal, earning widespread praise for his tactical intelligence and modern style of play.
His experiences under elite managers such as José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti are widely believed to have influenced his calm leadership and tactical approach as a coach.
He is viewed as a coach whose philosophy would align closely with the club’s long-term project, particularly given his emphasis on structured possession-based football and player development.
The Premier League, however, would present a significantly different challenge, with the intensity and scrutiny at Stamford Bridge likely to test even one of Europe’s most highly-rated young managers.
Nevertheless, Alonso’s tactical approach and calm authority are understood to be qualities the club believe could help restore identity, discipline and stability to the squad over time.
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