{"id":9161,"date":"2026-05-16T15:22:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T15:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9161"},"modified":"2026-05-16T15:22:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T15:22:11","slug":"xabi-alonsos-desire-which-gives-chelsea-an-advantage-over-liverpool-in-hiring-him-as-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9161","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso’s desire which gives Chelsea an advantage over Liverpool in hiring him as manager"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Despite Xabi Alonso\u2019s affection for Liverpool going back over 20 years, his desire to live in London gives Chelsea an edge over their rivals in hiring him this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alonso has emerged as the favourite to become the next permanent manager at Stamford Bridge, ahead of the likes of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea were impressed by Alonso in early talks with the former Real Madrid boss, and have been left confident they can hire him for next season.<\/p>\n

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Xabi Alonso wants to live in London amid Chelsea interest<\/h2>\n

This is despite the elephant in the room regarding his former club, Liverpool, who have also underperformed this season with Arne Slot.<\/p>\n

However, journalist Alex Crook has stated that Alonso has a desire to live in London, something the Blues can offer that Liverpool cannot.<\/p>\n

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He said to TalkSport: \u201cI think he\u2019ll be the Chelsea manager at the start of next season. I mean, you look at the shelf life of Chelsea managers, that doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019ll be there come the end of the season. But yeah, that does seem to be moving in a positive direction. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think he was a bit reluctant when they first entered negotiations, so I can only assume that he\u2019s been promised maybe a little bit more control than some of his predecessors have got. I know he\u2019s keen to manage in the Premier League. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s keen to live in London, which is why any Liverpool links maybe are a little bit far-fetched at this stage, not least because we expect Arne Slot to stay, certainly for the start of next season. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut yeah, I think Alonso is moving forward in terms of Chelsea, and that might have a knock-on effect with Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s good news for Chelsea, but is it enough? \ud83c\udfc6<\/h3>\n

Calum McFarlane’s latest injury update.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Early demands made by Alonso to Chelsea<\/h2>\n

During talks between the two parties, it is believed the potential new manager has made some demands in order to accept the role.<\/p>\n

Alonso wants two new centre-backs at Stamford Bridge, potentially hinting that he will look to play in a three-at-the-back formation like he did at Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard is wary of the treatment of former managers at the club too. Enzo Maresca is the only head coach in the BlueCo era to make it to a second season.<\/p>\n

However, the signs are positive that Alonso is about to make the move to West London, a decision which will go some way to bringing Chelsea supporters back on board.<\/p>\n

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