Chelsea Seek New Manager as Xabi Alonso Emerges Front-Runner

Liam Rosenior was dismissed after 104 days in charge, leaving Chelsea without a permanent head coach as the 2025/26 season winds down. The Blues have slipped to ninth in the Premier League, exited the Champions League at the first knockout stage and now face Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Interim manager Calum McFarlane has overseen the recent draw with Liverpool, but the club has announced a “period of reflection” and intends to appoint a successor by mid-June, before the summer World Cup.

Chelsea next manager: Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva on Blues' summer shortlist?

Chelsea’s shortlist, confirmed by multiple outlets, includes Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Cesc Fàbregas (Como), Filipe Luis (Flamengo), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) and Matthias Jaissle (Saudi Arabia). The ownership group BlueCo—led by Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly—has set a target to name a new manager by mid-June, giving the appointee time to shape the squad ahead of a busy transfer window that prioritises a centre-back, a central midfielder and a left-winger.

Next Chelsea manager: Three new names on shortlist, Cesc Fabregas update, appointment timeline

Alonso, 44, is the only candidate with recent top-level silverware: he guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in 2024 before a brief, turbulent spell at Real Madrid that ended in January 2026. Sources report he is “open to the possibility” of a Premier League role and that Chelsea view his tactical flexibility—particularly a 3-4-2-1 system—as a fit for the current squad. The iPaper describes him as the “early favourite” and notes that BlueCo is prepared to cede greater recruitment control to the manager, a shift from the data-driven approach that has drawn fan criticism.

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BlueCo’s public statement emphasized a “period of reflection” and the desire for a manager with “long-term vision.” The iPaper and The Athletic have both reported that Chelsea have made “positive talks” with Alonso’s representatives. Chelsea’s official Twitter account posted: “Positive first talks this week between #Chelsea and Xabi #Alonso, who could become the new #CFC’s manager. The Spanish coach has given his availability for a long-term project and contract.” No final decision has been announced.

Chelsea next manager: BlueCo decide 'early preferred choice' but four elite bosses tipped to reject job

Supporters have staged protests against the ownership, sporting directors Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields and Sam Jewell, and former players Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer over perceived lack of recruitment autonomy. Critics warn that Alonso’s short tenure at Real Madrid and the club’s “substantial wage bill” could limit his ability to reshape the squad. Some observers argue that without full control over transfers, any new manager may repeat the “company-hire” pattern that plagued Rosenior and Enzo Maresca.

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David Ornstein (The Athletic) confirmed Chelsea are “exploring a deal” with Alonso, while a separate source from Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group (FSG) stated the club is “not considering him” and will retain Arne Slot. Reports differ on whether Chelsea can grant Alonso the recruitment freedom he seeks; some suggest the ownership is prepared, others caution that budget constraints may impede it. The exact timeline for a formal appointment remains unconfirmed.

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• “Within the last hour, I have reported that Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next head coach,” — David Ornstein, journalist, *The Athletic*

Liverpool Stance on Appointing Xabi Alonso After Chelsea Open Talks

• “FSG are taking a huge gamble by not even considering him, and they may fall behind a direct rival if he ends up at Chelsea.” — Fenway Sports Group representative

Liverpool Stance on Appointing Xabi Alonso After Chelsea Open Talks

• “If Alonso wants to bring in a new formation, demote underperforming players or make any other massive calls, he needs the freedom to do so.” — iNews report

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Chelsea aim to announce a permanent head coach before the World Cup kickoff, allowing the appointee to direct summer signings and implement a revised tactical identity. Should Alonso secure the role, the club’s promised recruitment latitude will be tested against its wage structure and the need to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Liverpool dealt blow as Chelsea makes first Xabi Alonso contact and thoughts on Premier League move emerge