Chelsea Target Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach Ahead of Summer 2026

Chelsea have made contact with Xabi Alonso as part of an active search for a new permanent head coach, with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager emerging as the club’s standout target for the summer. Xabi Alonso is currently the lead contender to become the next head coach of Chelsea, and the Premier League club has already made contact with the former Liverpool midfielder.

Chelsea’s Head Coach Situation: The Full Context

The Blues are in the midst of searching for another head coach after they sacked Liam Rosenior last month, less than four months after appointing him. Rosenior became the second head coach to depart Stamford Bridge this season, following Enzo Maresca’s January exit. He wants to manage in the Premier League and — despite what you have heard or read — he would take the Chelsea job in the right circumstances. With Liverpool committed to Arne Slot and the Liverpool door firmly closed, Chelsea appear to have a free run at one of the most highly regarded young coaches in world football.

Chelsea wishes to move quickly and have a new head coach in place before the start of the FIFA World Cup. With the competition kicking off in Mexico on June 11, that leaves Chelsea with exactly one month to make a new hire.

Why Xabi Alonso Is the Clear Frontrunner

“In my personal opinion, Xabi Alonso is the outstanding candidate for Chelsea,” Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol told Sky Sports. “He has the strongest résumé both as a coach and as a former player, and if Chelsea managed to appoint him, he could potentially become a fantastic manager for the club.” “But this is still a complicated situation. Alonso is available, highly in demand and likely has other options on the table, which is why Chelsea are also considering alternative candidates internally.” Chelsea are thought to have a shortlist of five or six names, with Alonso and Andoni Iraola believed to be the preferred candidates at this stage.

Xabi Alonso’s Coaching Career

Alonso enjoyed a decorated playing career with Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich before entering coaching. He returned to Sociedad and began managing the reserve team before landing his first major role with Bayer Leverkusen. A stunning 2023-24 season saw Alonso lead Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic season as they completed the league and cup double. Leverkusen ended Bayern’s dominance and achieved one of the best seasons in German history. After sticking with Leverkusen for another season, Alonso agreed to become the next coach of Madrid. Xabi Alonso has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this year.

Alonso’s Coaching Record

Why the Liverpool Option Is Off the Table

Chelsea has made contact with Xabi Alonso over becoming the next head coach, and Liverpool has made it clear that it will stick with Arne Slot despite fan backlash. Xabi Alonso has not been under consideration as the next head coach at Liverpool, and the club intends to support Arne Slot despite the damning boos during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield. 

Alonso’s dream job would be managing Liverpool, but as things stand there is no vacancy at Anfield. It’s been reported suggestions that Alonso is waiting for the Liverpool job are wide of the mark, with the Blues seemingly having a free run at the former Real Madrid boss. “But it seems the club have made the decision on Slot, and it says a lot that Alonso is having talks with Chelsea because I think if he had an inkling that there might be a managerial change at Liverpool, I think he’d go there,” said Jamie Carragher.

Chelsea’s Full Shortlist

The other candidates Sky Sports know Chelsea are interested in are Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham head coach Marco Silva. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Como’s Cesc Fabregas and ex-Flamengo boss Felipe Luis are other names being considered.

Chelsea reportedly feel Iraola is ready to take on a big job, whilst Alonso has already managed at the highest level.

The Challenge for Chelsea’s Board

Chelsea’s situation is not straightforward. Rosenior’s position quickly became untenable in an embarrassing season for the Blues, who look increasingly likely to finish in the Premier League bottom half this term. The Blues are also known to have severe financial troubles, though they are still likely to attract a top-level replacement for Rosenior ahead of next season.

Chelsea believe there will be a bigger pool of high-calibre managers available this summer than there were last time they appointed a manager between seasons. When Enzo Maresca got the job in June 2024, Kieran McKenna was the other candidate on their shortlist and neither manager had Premier League experience at the time.

What Comes Next?

Positive talks have continued, and Alonso is open to a Premier League move this summer. If the deal progresses, it would mark one of the biggest managerial appointments in recent Premier League history. Chelsea must now convince Xabi Alonso that their project aligns with his ambitions — no easy task for a club currently struggling in the bottom half of the table.

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