Xabi Alonso, that is the manager most Chelsea fans want to see as the next manager of the club. From the shortlist that has been circulating in the media these past few weeks, the Spaniard has the most impressive resume and perhaps the greatest chance of succeeding. Liverpool look set to continue with Arne Slot, which has helped the Blues’ chances of landing him. But there are a few hurdles that they still need to overcome.
In recent weeks, it has emerged that it was Enzo Maresca who decided to walk away from Chelsea in the middle of the season. Mauricio Pochettino also spoke in an interview about how he chose to leave when his vision did not align with that of the club.
Those are the only two managers who have enjoyed any sort of success during the BlueCo era. And both chose to leave. That has raised serious questions about how the club is being run and whether any quality manager would be willing to work under this structure.
Fortunately, it looks like Chelsea might be willing to ring in the changes after being unsuccessful for four years. And Alonso might be the one who gets what he wants.
Chelsea are now offering Xabi Alonso what he wanted
According to a report from Simon Phillips (vie The Score):
“Chelsea are offering Xabi Alonso more control, which is what he has asked for. He’s also been asking around recruitment, especially centre backs, and who they will be looking to bring in.”
That is definitely great news if you want to see Alonso become the next manager. There have also been reports coming out of Italy that have suggested that he seems destined for the Chelsea job. So, this is starting to pick up a bit of momentum.
At the same time, one cannot get too excited. Chelsea have held discussions with the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann in the past as well, but did not manage to convince them it was the right project. It remains to be seen if that changes with Alonso.
Would Alonso be a success at Stamford Bridge?
It is pretty much impossible to predict whether Alonso would be a success or not. But I can confidently say that he has a better chance than most of the other names on that shortlist.
He plays a style of football that suits this team. Also, the Spaniard has shown that he can win while working with a young squad. Even if Chelsea do end up signing some experienced players in the summer, the core of the team will still be based around youth.
And ultimately, Alonso is a proven winner. He was as a player, and he has shown himself to be as a manager as well. He won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen. The same team had been trying to avoid relegation when he had taken charge the previous season. So, in many ways, the Spaniard could be perfect for Chelsea right now.
