Xabi Alonso would have the authority to command a dressing room at Chelsea, a key ingredient for the new manager.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.<\/em><\/p>\n After taking a major lead with the bookies in the race to become Chelsea\u2019s new manager, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is finding himself reeled in by his fellow Basque, Xabi Alonso.<\/p>\n At first it simply seemed like Alonso wouldn\u2019t want the job, despite likely being the top choice for many fans. But the trickle of briefs and leaks are now making seem like he would consider it. After a mid-season sacking at Real Madrid, his stock is down. Liverpool, his old team and the place everyone imagined he would go, don\u2019t seem keen to make a change this summer.<\/p>\n Could Chelsea actually get their top choice after all?<\/p>\n Simon Johnson of the Athletic points out the obvious positives \u2013 unlike Liam Rosenior, and to a far greater extent than Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso will command dressing room respect at Chelsea. This is a guy who these players watched on TV play at the highest level.<\/p>\n That respect is a non-negotiable for the new manager, whoever they are, after the Graham Potter and Liam Rosenior farragos.<\/p>\n Marc Cucurella is not everyone\u2019s favourite player \u2013 but you have to credit some of the qualities he has which we would love more of our players to have.<\/p>\n The Chelsea manager shortlist has been pretty clear for a while now, but talk of a 6th candidate had us curious this morning.<\/p>\n DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES \u2013 STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE<\/strong><\/p>\n Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips\u2019 SPTC podcast here:<\/em><\/p>\nWhat makes Alonso the standout for Chelsea job<\/h2>\n
In other news\u2026<\/h2>\n