Xabi Alonso is interested in discussing becoming the new Chelsea manager, however would require more control over the first team matters than the club are currently offering.
The Spaniard has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season, although this has not particularly tarnished his early managerial legacy.
Alonso enjoyed an immense spell at Bayer Leverkusen which has seen him regarded as one of the best up and coming managers in world football.
Xabi Alonso is the BEST candidate for the Chelsea job 👌
Xabi Alonso ‘interested’ in becoming new Chelsea manager
Chelsea have started to make Alonso their main candidate, and Simon Phillips has stated that the Blues have already reached out to his agent, who also represents Andoni Iraola.
He said on his Substack that Alonso is open to a chat regarding the vacant job at Stamford Bridge, although would need assurances that he will get more control than the club are currently willing to give up to the manager.
He said: “SPTC Sources can now reveal that the initial response from Alonso’s people is that the former Real Madrid boss would be ‘interested’ in the vacant position.
“However, there is a but. The initial belief from those opening agent talks, is that for Alonso to accept any Chelsea manager position then he would want ‘a bit more control’ than what they are currently offering any new manager. We are also told that this has been the case for other potential candidates as well, who are asking for similar reassurances.
“Whilst Alonso is initially interested in speaking to Chelsea about the role, the thoughts from our sources is that he will need a lot of convincing to actually take it. But he is open to at least having a chat with the club.”
Enzo Maresca’s exit from the club gave the impression that he did not have the control he was hoping for in West London, making it clear in press conferences that his views were not aligned with the ownership.
Out of the managers we have been linked with, which one do you think might be able to get the very best out of Cole Palmer again?👀
Behdad Eghbali looking to learn from mistakes
Behdad Eghbali actually admitted recently that Chelsea have made mistakes over the past few seasons, and are looking to address that now.
This includes with transfers, with the club expected to add some experienced players to their ranks to go alongside the immense young talent already there.
The same applies with the managerial market. The Blues decision makers are willing to take their time before hiring the permanent successor to Liam Rosenior.
Until then, it will be Calum McFarlane in charge, and he got off to the best possible start when he led the Blues to the FA Cup final with a win over Leeds United.
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