{"id":8550,"date":"2026-05-15T01:49:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T01:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8550"},"modified":"2026-05-15T01:49:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T01:49:38","slug":"3-winners-and-3-sore-losers-if-chelsea-hires-xabi-alonso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=8550","title":{"rendered":"3 winners (and 3 sore losers) if Chelsea hires Xabi Alonso"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div q:key=\"QW_9\"><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=67 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Xavi Alonso has been heavily linked with being the next Chelsea boss. Many of the current Blues players would suit his style, whilst others could soon be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit. Potential suitors for the role would be disappointed, and a certain rival club would definitely be a sore loser. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=68 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-(18px) md:mt-0 mb-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"69\">Xavi Alonso has been heavily linked with being the next Chelsea boss. Many of the current Blues players would suit his style, whilst others could soon be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit. Potential suitors for the role would be disappointed, and a certain rival club would definitely be a sore loser. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6a q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h2>3 winners if Chelsea hire Xabi Alonso <\/h2>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6b q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6c\">3 winners if Chelsea hire Xabi Alonso <\/h2>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6d q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Chelsea <\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6e q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6f\">Chelsea <\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6g q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>It would definitely be a coup for Chelsea to appoint Alonso. He proved he can win trophies whilst at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFB-Supercup in the same season. Although he did come up short in the Europa League, where his side lost in the final. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6h q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-3\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6i\">It would definitely be a coup for Chelsea to appoint Alonso. He proved he can win trophies whilst at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFB-Supercup in the same season. Although he did come up short in the Europa League, where his side lost in the final. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6j q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Alonso may have only lasted seven months at Real Madrid. However, he gained the experience of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world and dealing with big egos. This would be very helpful if he is to be the next Chelsea manager. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6k q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6l\">Alonso may have only lasted seven months at Real Madrid. However, he gained the experience of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world and dealing with big egos. This would be very helpful if he is to be the next Chelsea manager. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6m q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>The manager knows the Premier League, having played in it for Liverpool. Having played for the Reds may not go down well with Chelsea fans initially. However, if Alonso can get this Chelsea team winning, then that will quickly be forgotten. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6n q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6o\">The manager knows the Premier League, having played in it for Liverpool. Having played for the Reds may not go down well with Chelsea fans initially. However, if Alonso can get this Chelsea team winning, then that will quickly be forgotten. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6p q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Xabi Alonso <\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6q q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-6\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6r\">Xabi Alonso <\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6s q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>After losing his job at Los Blancos earlier in the season, a swift return to the dugout could be very good for Alonso. Chelsea may appear to be a bit of a mess right now, but Alonso would have a full pre-season and a transfer window this summer to sort the club out. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6t q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-7\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6u\">After losing his job at Los Blancos earlier in the season, a swift return to the dugout could be very good for Alonso. Chelsea may appear to be a bit of a mess right now, but Alonso would have a full pre-season and a transfer window this summer to sort the club out. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6v q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>The Blues have a talented young roster and the finances to sign top players. They are set to miss out on qualifying for Europe this campaign. Therefore, if Alonso can get Chelsea back to where the fans believe they belong, it would go a long way in restoring his reputation as a manager. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6w q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6x\">The Blues have a talented young roster and the finances to sign top players. They are set to miss out on qualifying for Europe this campaign. Therefore, if Alonso can get Chelsea back to where the fans believe they belong, it would go a long way in restoring his reputation as a manager. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=6y q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Reece James<\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6z q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"70\">Reece James<\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=71 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>As Alonso favors a 3-4-2-1 formation, a player such as Reece James could become very useful to him. The current Chelsea captain can play as a right-wingback and in central midfield, so he would suit Alonso&#39;s style of play. Other Chelsea players, such as Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer, could also flourish whilst playing under Alonso. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=72 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"73\">As Alonso favors a 3-4-2-1 formation, a player such as Reece James could become very useful to him. The current Chelsea captain can play as a right-wingback and in central midfield, so he would suit Alonso&#8217;s style of play. Other Chelsea players, such as Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer, could also flourish whilst playing under Alonso. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=74 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h2>3 sore losers if Chelsea hire Xabi Alonso <\/h2>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=75 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"76\">3 sore losers if Chelsea hire Xabi Alonso <\/h2>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=77 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Liverpool <\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=78 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"79\">Liverpool <\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7a q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Perhaps the biggest loser would be Liverpool. Alonso is a former Liverpool player, and many wanted him to replace Jurgen Klopp. However, they went with Arne Slot. Whilst the Reds had initial success under Slot in winning the Premier League, they have struggled this campaign. We may not see Alonso ever manage Liverpool if he is to take the Chelsea job. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7b q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-13\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7c\">Perhaps the biggest loser would be Liverpool. Alonso is a former Liverpool player, and many wanted him to replace Jurgen Klopp. However, they went with Arne Slot. Whilst the Reds had initial success under Slot in winning the Premier League, they have struggled this campaign. We may not see Alonso ever manage Liverpool if he is to take the Chelsea job. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7d q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Andoni Iraola <\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7e q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-14\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7f\">Andoni Iraola <\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7g q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Andoni Iraola has already announced that he is to be leaving AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season. This is in the expectation that he will get a job at a bigger club. Iraola has been mentioned as a possible suitor for the Chelsea job. However, if the role goes to Alonso, then Iraola may find his options limited this summer. The same goes for Marco Silva of Fulham, who has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the role at Stamford Bridge. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7h q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-15\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7i\">Andoni Iraola has already announced that he is to be leaving AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season. This is in the expectation that he will get a job at a bigger club. Iraola has been mentioned as a possible suitor for the Chelsea job. However, if the role goes to Alonso, then Iraola may find his options limited this summer. The same goes for Marco Silva of Fulham, who has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the role at Stamford Bridge. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7j q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h3>Alejandro Garnacho<\/h3>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7k q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inline-text-16\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7l\">Alejandro Garnacho<\/h3>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7m q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Alonso likes to play with two attacking midfielders rather than wingers. Therefore, a player such as Cole Palmer would very much suit Alonso&#39;s system. Palmer could be to Chelsea what Florian Wirtz was to Leverkusen. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7n q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7o\">Alonso likes to play with two attacking midfielders rather than wingers. Therefore, a player such as Cole Palmer would very much suit Alonso&#8217;s system. Palmer could be to Chelsea what Florian Wirtz was to Leverkusen. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_6--><!--qv q:id=7p q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>However, out-and-out wingers such as Alejandro Garnacho may not have a place in Alonso&#39;s lineup. Garnacho has not had the best of campaigns, scoring just eight goals with four assists in 41 games in all competitions. He has already been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, and the appointment of Alonso could be the final nail in the coffin of his Chelsea career. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7q q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-18\" class=\"my-(18px) (&amp;_a):text-primary my-f-1\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7r\">However, out-and-out wingers such as Alejandro Garnacho may not have a place in Alonso&#8217;s lineup. Garnacho has not had the best of campaigns, scoring just eight goals with four assists in 41 games in all competitions. He has already been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, and the appointment of Alonso could be the final nail in the coffin of his Chelsea career. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:id=7s q:key=1jXG:QW_7--><!--qv q:id=7t q:key=9yVI:Ef_0--><\/p>\n<div on:click=\"q-PR6RmUkK.js#s_Ytib2zHV0Tc(0 1)\" q:key=\"WY_1\" q:id=\"7u\"><!--qv q:s q:sref=7t q:key=--><\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"google-news-widget\" class=\"my-5 p-4 flex items-center gap-4 rounded-lg bg-(#F0F0F0)\">\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\" class=\"shrink-0\"\/><span class=\"font-group-big text-black text-(16px)\">Add us as a preferred source on <span class=\"font-bold\">Google<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"hidden pt-(1px) leading-(1.4) md:inline\">Follow<\/span><svg viewbox=\"0 0 4 8\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"h-(12px) w-(6px) md:h-(8px) md:w-(4px)\"><path d=\"M0.5 0.5L3.5 4L0.5 7.5\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n<p><!--\/qv--><\/div>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xavi Alonso has been heavily linked with being the next Chelsea boss. Many of the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8550","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\/8550","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=8550"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8550\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}