{"id":7446,"date":"2026-05-12T06:19:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=7446"},"modified":"2026-05-12T06:19:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:19:17","slug":"the-latest-xabi-alonso-news-makes-jamie-carraghers-chelsea-claim-look-ridiculous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=7446","title":{"rendered":"The latest Xabi Alonso news makes Jamie Carragher&#8217;s Chelsea claim look ridiculous"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-367603\">\n<div class=\"article-follow\">\n<div class=\"article-sharing google-follow\">  <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grv-media\/img\/google-discover.svg\" alt=\"\"\/> <span>Add as preferred source on Google<\/span>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>It felt a bit ridiculous at the time, but Jamie Carragher perhaps allowed his Liverpool connection to get the better of him when he said Xabi Alonso wouldn\u2019t join Chelsea because he\u2019d played for the Reds.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It has almost been 20 years since Alonso pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the final time. He ended his five-year stint at Anfield back in 2009, when he completed a \u00a330m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-grvmedia-grv-video GRVMultiVideo\"\/>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"74909401-8595-4074-9a62-89a4ab9cee30\" data-story-name=\"New Chelsea Manager\" data-comment-id=\"8fe97fa9-5ca3-41c3-8291-32fb4d2266d4\" data-story-slug=\"new-chelsea-manager\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<p><h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? \ud83e\uddd0<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Chelsea's potential XI under Xabi Alonso\" class=\"wp-image-365937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/04\/Xabi-Alonso-XI.png 1080w\"\/><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Of course, Alonso is remembered fondly by those of a Liverpool persuasion. The midfielder was a crucial part of a Liverpool side that came from three goals down to beat AC Milan in the Champions League final.<\/p>\n<p>That came in his first season at Anfield, and he would go on to play 210 times for the Reds. But his exit came a whole 17 years ago. Since then, Alonso has played and managed in both Spain and Germany.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-jamie-carragher-said-xabi-alonso-would-not-manage-chelsea\">Jamie Carragher said Xabi Alonso would not manage Chelsea<\/h2>\n<p>Speaking last month following Chelsea\u2019s decision to axe Liam Rosenior, Carragher told Sky Sports that he couldn\u2019t see Alonso joining the Blues because of his Liverpool past and how the two sides were rivals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Xabi Alonso speaks to the media during Real Madrid Training Day In Madrid - Press Conference\" class=\"wp-image-329167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2238956235-750x500.jpg 750w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Xabi Alonso, head coach of Real Madrid, attends his press conference during the training day of Real Madrid ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Villarreal CF at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on October 03, 2025, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Dennis Agyeman \/ AFP7 via Getty Images)\">Photo by Dennis Agyeman \/ AFP7 via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Liverpool icon said: \u201cI don\u2019t see Xabi Alonso there, because of his link as a Liverpool player and Chelsea being a big rival at the time.\u201d It seemed ridiculous at the time, given it was such a long time ago.<\/p>\n<p>Especially because, while they were rivals and pushing for trophies regularly at the end of the season, it was not as if Chelsea and Liverpool were each other\u2019s direct rivals. Certainly, they are not that anymore.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alonso-s-stance-on-chelsea-job-is-embarrassing-for-carragher\">Alonso\u2019s stance on Chelsea job is embarrassing for Carragher<\/h2>\n<p>Now, reports have emerged that, actually, Alonso is keen on becoming Chelsea\u2019s next manager despite BlueCo\u2019s trigger-happy approach to managers. Reports say BlueCo are willing to take a step back.<\/p>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar-poll\" data-story-id=\"0014d213-24cc-415e-a559-10d6a8ddd9a0\" data-story-name=\"2025\/26 Season\" data-comment-id=\"0c99353f-514b-4d88-bfa9-a0503cf2d8fc\" data-story-slug=\"2025-26-season\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<p><h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">SEMI-FINAL ONE: Reece James vs Enzo Fernandez?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Reece James and Enzo Fernandez POTS vote\" class=\"wp-image-367586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/Reece-James-Enzo-Fernandez.png 1080w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"Credit: Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images\">Credit: Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Alonso has emerged as Chelsea\u2019s main candidate, with Arne Slot expected to remain in the Liverpool hotseat despite pressure growing on the Dutchman. Now, it appears the Spaniard will take the Blues job.<\/p>\n<p>It is clear that Carragher got it wrong. For Chelsea, it sees them appoint a forward-thinking manager with a wonderful CV that is likely to earn the trust and support of his players, where Liam Rosenior failed.<\/p>\n<p>If BlueCo stay true to their word, and take a backseat in allowing Alonso to manage in the way he likes, then it could be a match made in heaven. Alonso and Chelsea might be the start of a new Blues era.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more-wrapper lazy see-more-open see-more-blank extra-content\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/columnist\/the-latest-xabi-alonso-news-makes-jamie-carraghers-chelsea-claim-look-ridiculous\/none\" data-type=\"subscribe\">\n<div class=\"see-more subscribe\">\n<figure class=\"newsletter\">\n<div><svg class=\"loading\" width=\"118\" height=\"36\" viewbox=\"0 0 118 36\"><use href=\"#dots-svg\"\/><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"signup\"><span class=\"hf\">Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><script>grvLoadAnalytics = () => {(function(d,s,i){var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0),j=d.createElement(s);j.async=true;j.src=\"https:\/\/www.googletagmanager.com\/gtag\/js?id=\"+i;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(document,'script','G-E7VRWQHDP6');(function(d,s,i){if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){var e=d.createElement(s);var n=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);e.type=\"text\/javascript\";e.async=true;e.src=\"https:\/\/static.chartbeat.com\/js\/chartbeat.js\";n.parentNode.insertBefore(e,n);}})(document,\"script\",\"G-E7VRWQHDP6\");(function(){let s=document.createElement(\"script\");s.async=true;s.dataset.domain=\"thechelseachronicle.com\/MFj4XQ\";s.src=\"https:\/\/api.publytics.net\/js\/script.manual.ping.min.js\";document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")(0).appendChild(s);})();if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){setTimeout(function(){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');fbq('init','663509325503632');fbq('track','PageView');fbq('track','ViewContent',{content_name:'The latest Xabi Alonso news makes Jamie Carragher&#8217;s Chelsea claim look ridiculous',content_category:'Opinion',content_ids:(367603,\"jamie-carragher\",\"xabi-alonso\"),content_type:'post',});},3000);}}<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Add as preferred source on Google It felt a bit ridiculous at the time, but&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7446","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7446"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7446\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7446"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7446"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}