Chelsea moves for Xabi Alonso as the Spanish coach weighs his next step

Xabi Alonso has spent the past few weeks unplugged from soccer — resting with his family, staying out of the spotlight — yet his name is everywhere. First, because of how Real Madrid finished the season he began, and second, because of the intriguing options now opening up for him ahead of next year.

One of the newest — and already on his desk — is Chelsea. According to reporting from AS, the Blues have reached out to Alonso about becoming the next manager at Stamford Bridge after a turbulent season that cost both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior their jobs. The club wants a young, method‑driven coach, and Alonso fits that profile perfectly.

Even though the bold, sometimes chaotic decision‑making of BlueCo — Chelsea’s ownership group — isn’t always appealing to meticulous coaches like Alonso, the chance to lead a Premier League powerhouse is something he has to consider.

He’s listening to the proposal, and if he wants the job, it’s essentially his. Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned, and in recent hours The Telegraph added Oliver Glasner and Filipe Luís to the mix.

European qualification could complicate things

There is one major obstacle: Chelsea currently sits outside the European spots, a factor that could influence which coach ultimately takes the job. The club still has the FA Cup final and three Premier League matches left to salvage the situation.

For Alonso, though, managing a Chelsea side without European competition wouldn’t be a deal‑breaker. In fact, having fewer matches helped him win the Bundesliga in his first full season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool and Arne Slot: door closed for now

What does seem off the table is his old club, Liverpool. This season under Arne Slot has been uneven, but last year’s Premier League title gives him enough credit to remain in charge beyond the summer. Alonso has a deep emotional connection to Anfield and dreams of managing there someday, but that requires the job to be open — and right now, it isn’t.

Chelsea hopes to take advantage of that window and move quickly for the highly sought‑after 44‑year‑old. Many at Stamford Bridge believe they can land him, though it’s also possible that Alonso will choose to wait and see what other opportunities emerge.

Everything should come into focus in the next few weeks.

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