Many people were expecting Xabi Alonso to become the Liverpool manager this summer before he was announced as the new Chelsea boss.
The Blues waited less than 48 hours following the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City to announce that Alonso would be taking the role from the start of next season.
Chelsea have been praised for their ability to convince Alonso to join, after many feared they would not be able to attract any elite managers to the role anymore.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Xabi Alonso rejected Liverpool to take over at Chelsea
There were also fears they would lose out on the Spaniard to Liverpool, who he enjoyed a successful playing career with.
While the Reds have now sacked Arne Slot, they took a while to do so, and this may well be because they had seen Alonso actually prefer to take the job at Stamford Bridge.
According to Sport Bild, the former Real Madrid boss preferred to take over at Chelsea after being promised more control over transfers at the club.
This is an area where Chelsea have not delivered when it comes to those who have come before Alonso, although it is notable he has been named manager rather than head coach.
Liverpool have since made a move to bring in Andoni Iraola, who was also on the Blues’ shortlist to take over at Stamford Bridge.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella? 🫵
Andrea Cambiaso is the latest player to be linked.
Chelsea preparing to back Alonso this summer
Chelsea need to make sure they are signing players who have the new manager’s seal of approval going into next season.
Alonso wants two new defenders to join him in West London, opening up the opportunity for him to move into a back three.
There is not enough strength in depth at the back to currently join Levi Colwill in that system, although Jorrel Hato could certainly find his way into the side.
He may well be needed at left-back though. Marc Cucurella is currently exploring a move away from the club this summer.
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