Chelsea target Xabi Alonso as next manager following FA Cup final
Chelsea are hoping to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new head coach shortly after Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The former Bayer Leverkusen boss has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the vacant post at Stamford Bridge following recent talks.
Club officials have been eager not to rush the recruitment process to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked in April.
However, the search is now expected to accelerate once the Wembley showpiece concludes.
Extensive managerial search
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane will remain in charge for the cup clash against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The West London club have spoken with up to six serious contenders since Rosenior departed after just three months at the helm.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Fulham manager Marco Silva are all considered candidates for the permanent role.
Former Blues defender Filipe Luis, currently managing Flamengo, similarly has admirers within the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
Seeking assurances
Internally, there is a belief that the Chelsea squad would hold immediate respect for Alonso given his glittering playing career.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder is understood to be open to the prospect of taking the reins but has sought assurances over the past week.
He had already targeted this summer for a return to the dugout after leaving Real Madrid in January.
While many Liverpool supporters hoped to see the Spaniard return to Anfield, there are no current signs of an imminent departure for Arne Slot.
Crystal Palace currently view Iraola as their favoured candidate to replace Glasner at Selhurst Park.
Securing Alonso’s signature would therefore remove a direct managerial rival from the equation for the Eagles.
