Over the past 24 hours, it has become abundantly clear that Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate to become the next Chelsea manager. The Spaniard is without a club at the moment, having been sacked by Real Madrid in the middle of the season. And it looks like the BlueCo chiefs are serious about bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
The reports have continuously underlined that no decision has been made yet and nothing is official. But that might just be some cushioning for the club. If the Alonso appointment does not end up happening, it would not be a good look if it becomes clear that they missed out on their top target.
But from everything that has come out in the media over the last few days, it would come as a surprise if Alonso does not become Chelsea manager. It has been suggested that he has opened the door to a move to the Premier League.
Other than Chelsea, no other top club might be looking for a manager this summer though. Manchester United are expected to hand Michael Carrick the job permanently. Liverpool look intent on continuing with Arne Slot despite a section of the fanbase giving up on him. And if Pep Guardiola decides to leave Man City, Enzo Maresca is viewed as the heavy favourite for the post.
What Xabi Alonso wants to become the next Chelsea manager
Simon Phillips is one of the first journalists to break the news of positive talks between Chelsea and Alonso. Now, he has provided an update on what the Spaniard wants.
According to Phillips, Alonso is not ‘asking for the keys’ at Chelsea or making any major demands. He is just seeking assurances around recruitment this summer, especially when it comes to the back line. The Spaniard believes that the club need to add two new centre-backs, and he wants to make sure that this will be addressed as a priority.
Earlier, it had been reported that Chelsea were willing to hand Alonso more control when it comes to recruitment and transfer strategy. That has been backed up by several outlets since then.
Alonso wants two centre-backs to be signed
Is this a sign that Alonso wants to revert to his three-at-the-back system that worked brilliantly at Bayer Leverkusen? That would be very much a possibility.
Levi Colwill is someone who slots into one of the starting spots quite easily. But other than that, do the club have any other starter-level centre-backs right now?
Also, if Alonso does intend to play that system, there will be a lot of emphasis on the full-backs. They were so vital to Bayer Leverkusen’s success. Marc Cucurella would be a very good fit in that role. But would Reece James? He is excellent both going forward and defensively. But his fitness remains in question.
