On Sunday morning, Chelsea confirmed Xabi Alonso will become the club’s next manager, having penned a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge – but Gary Neville foresees a “horrific” ending.
Alonso is set to take charge on July 1, his third spell in senior management after spells with Leverkusen and Real Madrid. The Spaniard is seen as a bit of a coup for Chelsea, given the season they have had.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Liverpool fans are annoyed that he has picked Chelsea, with the Reds keeping Arne Slot in charge, while Real Madrid supporters believe their club got rid of Alonso prematurely. So, how have Chelsea got him?
There are likely to be huge wages on the table, and four staff members have followed Alonso to London, including his right-hand man Sebas Parrilla. Gary Neville reckons there’s a massive clause included, too.
Gary Neville predicts massive clause in Xabi Alonso’s contract
Neville has already shared his views on Alonso’s move to Stamford Bridge, with the Spaniard being named ‘manager’ instead of ‘head coach’. The first ‘manager’ to be hired by Chelsea’s owners BlueCo.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night, Neville says he thinks there could be a massive clause in Alonso’s contract that could prove to be bad news for Chelsea.
“Two things I would be absolutely certain of with Alonso’s contract. He will have a horrific penalty on the club if they get rid of him in the first couple of years. I’d imagine he will put some sort of clause in there.”
All the signs are positive but Neville’s prediction makes sense
BlueCo’s decision to hand Alonso a different title to his predecessors is good news. It signifies a lack of interference from BlueCo and gives power to the manager, something fans have called for, for years.
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager!
What are you expecting from Alonso’s first season in charge?
He’s got his coaching staff with him, there is a belief he will work in tandem with Chelsea’s five sporting directors when it comes to transfers. Ultimately, Alonso will be given the keys and freedom to thrive.
But Alonso will be fully aware of Chelsea’s managerial history under BlueCo, and Todd Boehly’s trigger-happy approach to managers. Liam Rosenior lasted 23 games, while Graham Potter managed just 32.
To have pulled off such a coup to get Alonso, his wages will be big, and compensation will be massive. Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior received around £4m, but it is easy to imagine Alonso will get more.
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