Alonso: Enrique is a great coach

Chelsea star Marcos Alonso has heaped the praise on Luis Enrique amid claims that the Spaniard could arrive as the club’s new manager in the summer.

Enrique has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as the club’s hierarchy contemplate Antonio Conte’s future. The Italian boss has a season remaining on his deal with Chelsea but after a disastrous season thus far, a change could be sought after.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Cadena COPE, Chelsea wing-back Alonso discussed Enrique’s qualities and although he did not reference the recent reports linking him with a move to the club, he was full of praise for his compatriot.

Luis Enrique has shown at Barcelona that he is a great coach with many qualities and I believe he would be good for any club, but I do not know him a lot on a personal level.

Enrique has been out of work since leaving Barcelona at the end of last season but is understood to be held in high esteem by those at Chelsea.

Conte’s future is continuing to come under intense scrutiny and it seems somewhat likely that he will be shown the exit door at the end of the season, with Enrique an apparent target.