Chelsea see Xabi Alonso as key target but fear late Liverpool swoop

Chelsea want Xabi Alonso as their next manager, but fear that Liverpool are not out of the race just yet.

Chelsea are in active talks with Xabi Alonso as they look to appoint a new manager before the FIFA World Cup begins. The Spaniard is keen to work in the Premier League and sees the Stamford Bridge role as the ideal opportunity.

The 44-year-old has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid in January, less than 24 hours after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. He was just seven months into his stint at the club, after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025.

The Sportzine reported last week that Alonso was the frontrunner for the Chelsea job, though the club insisted they did not have a favourite for the role. Andoni Iraola remains in the picture, but is Plan B at Stamford Bridge.

Apart from the duo, media reports suggest Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner and Filipe Luis are in the running for the Chelsea job.

Chelsea fear Liverpool could make late swoop

Liverpool were linked with Alonso in 2024, when Jurgen Klopp made his decision to leave Anfield. The Spaniard was touted as the main option, but his decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen drove them to shift their focus to Arne Slot.

The Reds have since insisted that the Dutchman was always their main pick, as his numbers were closer to Klopp’s than those of any other coach on their shortlist. The fans have been calling for Slot’s sacking this season following a subpar season, but FSG do not plan to make a change.

However, there are fears this week that Slot could resign in the summer as his contract talks have not progressed. The Dutchman is also not happy with the reception from the fans at Anfield in recent weeks.