Chelsea’s players are throwing their weight behind Xabi Alonso as the potential replacement for Liam Rosenior. The feeling within the Chelsea dressing room is that the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen head coach is the right man to get the team back on track. Discussions with Alonso’s representatives are reportedly progressing positively.
Alonso a Frontrunner Amidst Coaching Search
While Alonso is a leading candidate, Chelsea are considering other options. Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, Marco Silva from Fulham, Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, and Filipe Luís, formerly of Flamengo, are also on the shortlist. Cesc Fàbregas has indicated that he wants to stay at Como.
Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior last month after 106 days. The situation is expected to accelerate after Chelsea face Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Chelsea’s Pursuit and Alonso’s Requirements
Chelsea have been monitoring Alonso since he began his managerial career at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. They have been waiting for him to become available. Alonso, who won the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since leaving Madrid in January.
Alonso is said to want assurances over certain elements, including a say over signings. The indications are that Chelsea intend to give him what he needs.
Dressing Room Influence and Recruitment
The club have a team of five sporting directors, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. The recruitment structure is not about to change. However, there is a recognition that someone of Alonso’s stature must be listened to when it comes to signings. There would be zero desire on Chelsea’s part to impose players on him.
Boosting Morale with a Respected Figure
Securing a deal with Alonso could improve the atmosphere within the Chelsea dressing room. Influential players have expressed their dissatisfaction following Enzo Maresca’s departure. Rosenior struggled to win over the team, with players effectively downing tools before his dismissal.
The players believe the next manager must be someone who can command respect and manage strong personalities. Alonso appears to meet these criteria. He was a key member of the Spain team that won two European Championships and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012. He was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, winning multiple honours, including Champions League titles with Liverpool and Madrid and domestic trophies with Bayern Munich.
It is felt Alonso’s standing would be a plus when Chelsea try to convince players to join. Reece James is fit to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
There is a growing sense within the industry that a deal will be agreed. There is unlikely to be competition from Liverpool, who have not contacted Alonso.