What Chelsea’s players feel about appointment of Xabi Alonso after Liam Rosenior sacking
Chelsea are said to be pushing for the appointment of Xabi Alonso and are in talks with the Spaniard – but what does Chelsea’s squad think about the potential arrival of Alonso?
It has now been three weeks since Chelsea confirmed they had sacked Liam Rosenior, after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to his old side Brighton at The Amex. Many reports surrounding his exit have since emerged.
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The main reason for his sacking is that Rosenior struggled to get the Chelsea squad onside. Rosenior’s inexperience as both a player and a manager didn’t help. One player nicknamed him a ‘supply teacher’.
That has led to Chelsea pursuing a manager who not only has experience at the top level, but one with a CV impressive enough to earn the trust of Chelsea’s playing staff. That changes with Xabi Alonso.
What the Chelsea squad are believed to think about Alonso
Alonso would arrive at Chelsea with a stunning CV as a player and a burgeoning reputation in the dugout. A stunning stint at Leverkusen included a league title and an unbeaten season during the 2023-24 season.
His 24 wins in 34 as Real Madrid manager is often overlooked due to his sacking, after a fall-out with the club’s biggest players. Thibaut Courtois has since said that wasn’t the case, but no smoke without fire.
According to The Times, Chelsea have held talks with Alonso and want to appoint the Spaniard. One reason is that it is ‘believed’ that Alonso would command respect from the Chelsea dressing room.
That would make Alonso an immediate improvement on Rosenior, simply by having his players onside. For example, Rosenior said Estevao had told him he didn’t even know he was a professional player.
Alonso’s stance on taking the Chelsea job
There have been a few differing reports on whether Alonso is keen on taking the job. Initially, it was claimed that former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Sociedad star Alonso was keen to join.
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However, on Tuesday, reports emerged that Alonso is delaying a response to Chelsea because he is waiting to see if Liverpool sack Arne Slot. David Ornstein reports that Liverpool are sticking with Slot.
So, while Alonso may prefer the Liverpool job, the Reds have decided not to pursue Alonso and that means Chelsea should have a free run at the classy gaffer. Whether they do a deal, remains to be seen.
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