It feels like we have covered Xabi Alonso a lot over the last few days. And there is a good reason for that. The rumours surrounding the Spanish manager and Chelsea seem to be growing consistently. That is a good sign if you want him in the Stamford Bridge hot seat. Now, even the most reliable journalists in football are dropping positive updates on this saga, which suggests things are moving in the right direction.
When the rumours of Chelsea interest in Alonso had first broken out, most fans were perhaps not confident about the club’s ability to pull off such an appointment. Obviously, the Blues have had much more high-profile managers in the past. But just look at how things have played out under BlueCo ownership.
Chelsea have lost a lot of their identity. It has looked like they have completely moved away from not only signing top players but bringing in top managers as well.
Liam Rosenior was the most ‘BlueCo appointment’ of all. And ironically, he proved to be the worst one as well, lasting only three-and-a-half months on his six-and-a-half-year contract before being sacked. That experience might have convinced the management that the time for change has come.
David Ornstein confirms the Xabi Alonso to Chelsea rumours
David Ornstein is arguably the most reliable journalist in football today. And now, he has dropped an update on this situation. One that Chelsea fans will like.
According to a report from Ornstein in The Athletic, Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Alonso as the club’s new head coach. The Spaniard is open to the possibility.
The report does go on to state that nothing is decided at this point. The process to hire a permanent manager continues, with Andoni Iraola also a strong contender.
Alonso or Iraola?
Those seem to be the top two choices for the Chelsea job at the moment. The fans have a clear favourite. But is it the right one?
Alonso is the bigger name without doubt. And he has proven himself as a winner in management as well. The spell at Real Madrid might not have worked out but Los Blancos look like a mess at the moment. Perhaps it came too early in his career.
As for Iraola, one thing that works in his favour is that he has worked in the Premier League already. But is he a winner? Or is there a ceiling there?
