According to The Guardian, Chelsea have initiated preliminary discussions with Xabi Alonso regarding the managerial vacancy, with the talks progressing positively. The club is keeping multiple options open and closely monitoring the situation of Andoni Iraola.
Chelsea are actively searching for a permanent head coach, with Alonso and Iraola emerging as leading candidates. The Blues are also evaluating other high-profile managers and will not rush into a final decision.
After sacking Liam Rosenior last month, Chelsea appointed Mark MacFarlane as interim head coach until the end of the season. The shortlist also includes Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and former Flamengo boss Filipe Luís. Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Glasner is set to leave Crystal Palace after the Europa Conference League final later this month.
Chelsea’s hierarchy are confident of securing their preferred candidate and are optimistic after the initial contact with Alonso’s representatives.
Alonso, 44, led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, establishing himself among Europe’s top young coaches. He has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season, and Chelsea have been tracking him for at least three years.
Internally, Chelsea believe Alonso’s tactical approach aligns well with their young squad. As a legendary Spanish midfielder with immense prestige in the football world, he could stabilize the dressing room and help attract top players to the club.
It remains unclear whether Alonso is ready to take on a Premier League challenge immediately or prefers a break. Rumors linking him to a potential Liverpool vacancy have been downplayed, with widespread belief that Arne Slot will remain at Anfield this summer, though no official confirmation has been made.
Alonso played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, winning the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year, earning deep affection from fans.
Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca but lasted only three and a half months before being dismissed, prompting an internal review at Chelsea. The club’s recruitment department has acknowledged the need for greater physicality and toughness, which makes Iraola’s high-intensity, pressing style even more appealing. Bournemouth, under his guidance, are among the most aggressive and fast-paced teams in the Premier League.
Reports indicate Chelsea have already met with Iraola to discuss the managerial role. The club highly values his achievements at Bournemouth, believing he is fully capable of managing a top club.
Despite losing several key players to bigger clubs over the past year, Iraola has kept Bournemouth in the upper half of the Premier League table and within reach of Champions League qualification. With two matches remaining, they are just four points behind the top five.
Iraola has also held talks with Manchester United, but indications suggest United will retain Michael Carrick.
In the league standings, Bournemouth are six points ahead of Chelsea, who are pushing for European qualification to salvage a disappointing season. Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday, with interim boss MacFarlane still in charge.