Chelsea spoke to Andoni Iraola about becoming their new manager before his move to Liverpool.
However, Chelsea decided to go with Xabi Alonso in the end, giving Liverpool the chance to appoint Iraola following the sacking of Arne Slot.
Iraola did a fantastic job at Bournemouth, hence Chelsea’s and Liverpool’s interest in the 43-year-old. But the former clearly had some reservations.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Chelsea had worries about Andoni Iraola’s football
According to The Athletic, Chelsea had concerns about Iraola’s style of play, believing that it was a “radical departure” from the work of previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea fans will not be too disappointed, as many wanted the club to appoint Alonso and eventually got their wish.
The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss will now go head-to-head with Iraola in the new Premier League season.
Before then, Alonso will be keen to strengthen a squad that finished in 10th place last term and failed to qualify for any European competition.
It is being reported that Alonso could reunite with Alejandro Grimaldo at Stamford Bridge this summer.
- READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas has just told Xabi Alonso how to deal with physical sides as Chelsea manager
Why Andoni Iraola will be desperate to beat Chelsea next season
Iraola has a couple of reasons for wanting to beat Chelsea in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
First of all, the former Bournemouth manager will feel that he has a point to prove after Chelsea picked Alonso over him. But as well as that, Iraola has quite a poor record against the Blues.
In fact, since arriving in England three years ago, Iraola has not won a single match against Chelsea.
With Liverpool being a much stronger team than Bournemouth, you would now expect that to change. At some point, Iraola should pick up a win if he lasts at Anfield, which is not guaranteed.
Andoni Iraola hasn’t beaten Clearlake’s Chelsea 🚩
Slot won the title in his first season at Liverpool but has already been dismissed by the club after a disappointing follow-up campaign.
Hopefully Chelsea can pile even more misery on Liverpool next term and beat Iraola’s side to a spot in the top four.
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