Chelsea’s alternative manager ‘everyone would be on board with’ if Xabi Alonso rejects job
Chelsea are on the hunt for a new head coach and Xabi Alonso is among the front runners to take over at Stamford Bridge
Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is among the front runners to take over at Chelsea this summer.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair believes former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas would get everyone on board given his relationship the club’s fanbase. Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has emerged as the front runner to take over at Chelsea, but his fellow Spaniard has also been linked with the role.
Fabregas has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches following an impressive spell in the dugout at Italian side Como 1907. Fabregas won promotion to Serie A with Como and has the club in contention for Champions League football next season.
It’s no surprise to see the former Blues midfielder linked with the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge, with BlueCo on the hunt for yet another permanent head coach. They parted company with Liam Rosenior last month following a disappointing run of results, with Calum McFarlane overseeing proceedings until the end of the season.
Although recent reports suggest Alonso is ahead of Fabregas in the running, Sinclair says Fabregas would be his first choice.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Speaking exclusively to football.london ahead of his appearance at Masters Football with Chelsea, Sinclair said: “The obvious one that I like is Cesc Fabregas, purely because of his relationship with the supporters.
“I think they’d be on board with him straight away. He’s got the respect of the Chelsea players.
“You’ve seen footage of him going back to the training ground and every player going up to him. Also, with what he’s done at Como, he showed he’s got a really good football brain.
“He’s had no better tutelage when you think of the managers he’s worked under – he’s worked under the best. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cesc Fabregas manages in the Premier League at a top club at some stage.
“He’s got his connections with Arsenal as well, but they don’t seem to be looking for a manager anytime soon. If you bring someone in who is not connected to the club, it’s very difficult to win the supporters over; you’ve basically got to hit the ground running.
“If you’re Cesc Fabregas, you’ve got the benefit of the doubt from the supporters wanting you to do well straight away.”
Fellow former midfielder Frank Lampard has been linked with a sensational return to Stamford Bridge for a third spell, having guided Coventry City back to the Premier League.
However, Sinclair believes Lampard should steer clear of the job, though did admit it would be tough for the Blues’ legend to turn down.
“I think it would be difficult because of the last experience Frank Lampard had,” Sinclair said. “The first experience was unbelievable, breeding all the young players like Mason Mount and Reece James.
“That was a high success. The second time around was a difficult scenario. What would the third time look like? I think it looks more like the second time around than the first. I’d be surprised if Frank took the job, but when Chelsea come calling, it’s a difficult one to turn down.
“The job he’s done at Coventry is unbelievable, but that is not the remit for Chelsea. There’s no comparison between getting Coventry to the Premier League and getting Chelsea to challenge for European honors and the title.
“I like the Cesc Fabregas one; he comes in with new ideas and the respect is there.”
Sinclair was speaking to football.london ahead of Masters Football at the Ovo Wembley Arena on May 31st, with tickets available on sale here.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
