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Chelsea Nears Xabi Alonso Hire Before World Cup

5/12/2026

Summary

Chelsea Targets Alonso

Chelsea have held positive talks with former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso about hiring him as head coach.
Chelsea dismissed Liam Rosenior in May 2026 after a 106-day spell that left them near the bottom half.
Owners label Alonso the early favourite and a leading candidate for the vacancy.
Chelsea aim to name a new manager before the FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026.

Summary

McFarlane Leads

Calum McFarlane guided Chelsea to the FA Cup final and a 1-1 draw with Liverpool using a five-at-the-back system.
Injuries to Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho forced a defensive reshuffle, leading Marc Cucurella to play an advanced wing-back role and win man-of-the-match.
Chelsea’s shortlist—Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, Cesc Fabregas, Oliver Glasner and Filipe Luis—targets a permanent appointment by mid-June, and Crystal Palace also courts Andoni Iraola.

History

Historical Context

In 2013 Chelsea rehired José Mourinho after his Real Madrid spell; he built a midfield-dominant system and won the 2014-15 Premier League with 87 points. The club’s 2026 shortlist, featuring former Real Madrid midfielder-coach Xabi Alonso, echoes that 2013-15 pattern of recruiting Madrid-linked managers to restore stability and underscores the owners' preference for seasoned European expertise.

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Chelsea Targets Alonso

Chelsea have held positive talks with former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso about hiring him as head coach.
Chelsea dismissed Liam Rosenior in May 2026 after a 106-day spell that left them near the bottom half.
Owners label Alonso the early favourite and a leading candidate for the vacancy.
Chelsea aim to name a new manager before the FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026.

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