Chelsea pursues Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola for head coach role

Chelsea Xabi Alonso Andoni Iraola head coach FA Cup

Chelsea have begun formal talks to appoint a permanent head coach after dismissing Liam Rosenior and naming Calum McFarlane interim. The club’s primary target is former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who is currently out of work and has been on Chelsea’s radar for several years. The Blues are also closely monitoring Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager praised for his intense, physical style.

Other names mentioned include former Fulham coach Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Olivier Glasner, and ex‑Flamengo boss Filipe Luís. Chelsea, sitting ninth in the Premier League, hope to secure European football by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City on 16 April. Their recruitment team believes Alonso’s reputation and tactical approach could suit the young squad, while Iraola’s work at Bournemouth has also drawn interest.

Sources

Transfer News: La Liga’s €60,192-A-Week Winger Wanted By Manchester United & Chelsea [vitalfootball.co.uk]

2 months ago

Chelsea make ex-Real boss top target, says paper [onefootball.com]

3 months ago

Xabi Alonso's Potential Chelsea Move: The Need for a Manager with Authority and Vision [g3.football]

2 months ago

Chelsea optimistic about luring Xabi Alonso but are also eyeing Andoni Iraola [www.theguardian.com]

3 months ago

Chelsea next manager: Spaniard ‘excited’ to become new Blues boss after deadline set – not Xabi Alonso [www.football365.com]

2 months ago

'Chelsea wil opnieuw naar de top en stelt deze voormalige Premier League-ster aan als nieuwe coach' [www.voetbalkrant.com]

2 months ago

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink identifies potential ‘problem’ if Chelsea hire Xabi Alonso [metro.co.uk]

2 months ago