With so much information out there in the media today, it is hard to differentiate between the right and the wrong. But when the momentum seems to be heading in one direction and several outlets start reporting pretty much the same thing, more often than not, it is correct. That might very well be the case with the Xabi Alonso to Chelsea story.
Those rumours have certainly picked up some momentum over the last week or so. Initially, it was viewed as more wishful thinking than anything else.
Alonso had been sacked by Real Madrid in his first season. It felt like the last thing he needed was to join Chelsea, who have had five different permanent managers in four seasons under BlueCo. That is alongside a couple of interim bosses, Frank Lampard and Calum McFarlane, who have had lengthy reigns.
But the noise around the Alonso to Chelsea rumour is growing with every passing day. And now, it feels like there is a real chance that it could end up happening.
Xabi Alonso to Chelsea seems to be on
According to The i Paper, Alonso has emerged as the front-runner for the Chelsea job. It indicates that the club are willing to cede more power to the manager over recruitment. The Blues are understood to be showing serious interest in the Spaniard, who is open to the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge despite the travails of previous managers, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
That makes sense, when you take into consideration some other recent reports which have suggested that Chelsea are willing to give more power to Alonso when it comes to transfers and having a real say on football operations.
If that is the case, which it seems to be, then it is certainly the right call for Chelsea. BlueCo’s way has proven to be a failure over the last four years. That will make it even tougher for them to attract managers, especially top ones. As a result, they will have to make some changes.
Which other options are out there
When it comes to the names that have been consistently mentioned when it comes to the Chelsea job, Alonso seems to be the most complete one. The Spaniard was an exceptional player. That should help him command the respect of the dressing room from day one, which Rosenior was not able to do.
Then there is his success with Bayer Leverkusen. In his first job at the top level, Alonso took a relegation contender and turned them into the invincible league and cup winners of Germany. He did so while ending the Bundesliga-winning streak of Bayern Munich. They were a Europa League final away from doing the treble. That achievement does not get the credit that it should.
When it comes to other potential options for Chelsea, Andoni Iraola is out there. He will be a free agent this summer. Marco Silva has been suggested. Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis could be outside candidates. And you never know, perhaps some names that are being considered have not made it to the media. But looking at that list, Alonso still looks like the best option to turn this thing around.
