Former Liverpool Midfielder Close To Shock Stamford Bridge Return As Chelsea Search For New Coach
Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly on the verge of becoming Chelsea’s new manager following advanced talks with the Premier League club.
According to multiple reports on Saturday, the Spaniard has already reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea and could be officially appointed before the club’s next Premier League match against Tottenham on Tuesday.
The development comes only a few months after Alonso’s short-lived spell at Real Madrid came to an end following his dismissal at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Chelsea were initially expected to wait until the end of the season before appointing a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior, who lost his job last month after a disappointing campaign.
However, reports now suggest the London club has moved quickly to secure Alonso’s services in what many observers consider a major managerial signing despite Chelsea’s current struggles.
The Blues are enduring another difficult season and suffered fresh disappointment on Saturday after losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Chelsea currently sit ninth on the Premier League table with only two matches remaining this season and face the possibility of missing out on European football entirely next campaign.
Alonso’s potential arrival is expected to generate excitement among Chelsea supporters due to his impressive managerial achievements in recent years.
The 44-year-old gained widespread praise after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023/24 season with a historic unbeaten league campaign.
His success in Germany quickly established him as one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches before he later moved to Real Madrid.
However, Alonso’s time at the Spanish giants reportedly lasted only seven months before the club replaced him with former player Alvaro Arbeloa.
The former Spanish international is already familiar with English football after spending several successful years at Liverpool during his playing career.
If confirmed, Alonso would become the fifth permanent manager appointed by Chelsea since the club’s takeover by owners BlueCo in 2022.
Previous managers under the current ownership include Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea supporters are now waiting for official confirmation from the club as pressure continues to mount on the ownership following another disappointing season.
AFP
