Alonso “Won’t Accept” Chelsea Post As Alternative Is Given “Good Chance” Of Securing Manager’s Job Instead
Xabi Alonso is unlikely to be the next Chelsea head coach, according to Sky Sport Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
Speaking to AceOdds.comDi Marzio said the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss “won’t accept” an offer from the Blues, and he believes Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is a much more likely candidate:
“I think Iraola has a good chance of becoming the new Chelsea manager, but they will have to fix some of the internal problems at the club. I think Xabi Alonso is waiting for another offer, but of course, Chelsea will try, but he won’t accept it.”
It remains to be seen whether Di Marzio is simply voicing his opinion or has some insider knowledge.
Why would Alonso reject Chelsea?
There are a couple of factors in play. Some journalists think that the 44-year-old is waiting for the Liverpool job to become available, but there is no indication that the Reds are looking to sack Arne Slot.
Another potential reason cited as to why Alonso could turn down the opportunity is that he won’t get the guarantees he is looking for over certain aspects of the job, including recruitment.
Who is the favourite to become the next Chelsea head coach?
Alonso remains odds-on to take the position at the bookmakers, despite Di Marzio’s comments, with Iraola second in the running (priced between 9/2 and 5/1).
Other candidates are very much rank outsiders at the moment. Ex-Flamengo coach Filipe Luis has odds between 7/1 and 10/1, while Fulham’s Marco Silva (between 9/1 and 12/1), Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner (12/1) and Como’s Cesc Fabregas (between 16/1 and 20/1) are not particularly fancied.
A lot will hinge on how talks progress with Alonso. Most seem to believe that he is the club’s no.1 option, but that could change over the coming days.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
