Chelsea has begun its search for a new head coach and has placed Xabi Alonso at the top of its list of targets. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Spanish manager is open to the possibility of taking over the Premier League side, though no final decision has been made at this early stage.
The Blues’ board is actively working behind the scenes to find a permanent successor, a role that has been vacant since Liam Rosenior was dismissed at the end of April. Since then, interim coach Calum McFarlane has been in charge until the end of the current season.
Xabi Alonso, 44, has been without a club since January 12, when he was sacked by Real Madrid and replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa, who had been coaching the B team. Alonso’s stint in Madrid lasted only seven months, cutting short the three-year contract he signed to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. During his brief tenure, he won 10 of his first 11 league matches, including the Clásico against Barcelona in October. However, he was dismissed with the team sitting second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and just after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to their arch-rivals.
Despite his short spell at Real Madrid—where he also played for five years—Alonso remains highly regarded in the European market, largely due to his previous work. In 18 months at Bayer Leverkusen, he led the German side to its historic first Bundesliga title in the 2023/2024 season, finishing unbeaten, and also reached the Europa League final.
Competing Candidates
Managerial instability has been a recurring theme for Chelsea recently. The club parted ways with Liam Rosenior on April 23 after less than four months in charge, following his January appointment to replace Enzo Maresca. Alongside Xabi Alonso, the Blues’ shortlist includes candidates already familiar with the Premier League. Spanish coach Andoni Iraola is a strong contender, having confirmed in April that he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season. Iraola has gained a reputation in England for implementing an attacking, exciting style at the Vitality Stadium.
According to recent reports from The Athletic, Portuguese manager Marco Silva, currently at Fulham, is another name closely monitored by Chelsea executives as they plan the club’s restructuring in the upcoming window. Brazilian coach Filipe Luis, linked by The Telegraph, is also mentioned as a potential candidate.
Chelsea’s search for a new manager continues as the club looks to stabilize its sideline and build for the future.
