Regular Chelsea starter is in real danger if Xabi Alonso becomes the new manager
Chelsea have identified Xabi Alonso as a potential candidate to become their new manager, although his obsession with playing out from the back could cause big issues for Robert Sanchez.
With Arne Slot looking as if he will remain in the Liverpool job for next season, the former Reds midfielder will have to look elsewhere if he wants a return to management.
Alonso has emerged as a leading candidate for the Chelsea role, with the club assessing their options ahead of a permanent hire at the end of the season.
What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? š§
Xabi Alonso at Chelsea would spark the end for Robert Sanchez
With Alonso reportedly interested in a conversation with the Blues owners, it is worth taking a look at how his style of play meshes with the current squad.
A clip posted by Habemus Futbol shows Alonso working with the Bayer Leverkusen squad back in 2024, where he stops the session in its tracks because the ball is sent long up the pitch.
The Spaniard makes it clear that he does not want to see this, and this could cause issues when it comes to Robert Sanchezās position in the side.
Passing has never been the Chelsea shot stopperās biggest strength, and it is no coincidence that his best form since joining the club was when Enzo Maresca abandoned a short passing strategy and allowed him to go long.
This even worked in the clubās favour in terms of creating chances. The opening goal in the Club World Cup final came from Sanchez being allowed to go long to find Malo Gusto.
Liam Roseniorās efforts to play out from the back simply didnāt work, and put the Blues under pressure far more often than they would have liked.
If Alonso brought that style of play to Stamford Bridge, he would run into the same problems with Sanchez in goal, and a new goalkeeper would be high on his agenda.
Xabi Alonso is the BEST candidate for the Chelsea job š
Chelsea already have the perfect goalkeeper for Alonso in Mike Penders
Mike Penders, who is currently on loan from Chelsea at Strasbourg, is far better with his feet. Rosenior even used him to help with the build up alongside the defensive line when he was in charge of the Ligue 1 club.
As far as building confidence in the whole defence, he would be a far more suitable choice if they decide to hire Alonso this summer.
Despite reports that Chelsea have doubts over whether Penders is ready to make the step up, the opportunity to work with a coach who suits his style of play is one the club cannot turn down.
The former Real Madrid boss is not the only candidate for the job. Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are amongst those from the Premier League who are reported options.
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