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As per emerging reports, Chelsea have now decided Xabi Alonso is the man to steer the next phase of the BlueCo project at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old Spaniard has agreed a long-term deal in principle with the West London club, which is expected to be for at least two seasons.<\/p>\n
The news brings to an end an exhaustive managerial search that saw Bournemouth\u2019s Andoni Iraola and Fulham boss Marco Silva also in the frame. Alonso moved to the top of Chelsea\u2019s list of candidates with the senior sporting leadership group \u2013 Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows \u2013 united behind him.<\/p>\n
Chelsea\u2019s hierarchy believes the former Real Madrid boss is the perfect blend of tactical innovation and elite pedigree, having been impressed by his historic 2023\/24 campaign at Bayer Leverkusen. In Germany, he achieved an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double, winning the club\u2019s first-ever Bundesliga title and first DFB-Pokal since 1993.<\/p>\n
The Blues will hope that Liam Rosenior\u2019s chaotic reign can finally give way to stability with his appointment. This comes after Calum McFarlane took charge of the team for Saturday\u2019s narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, a game settled by an Antoine Semenyo strike in the second half.<\/p>\n
Xavi Alonso to feature in Chelsea\u2019s summer transfer window<\/h2>\n Sources say Alonso\u2019s increased influence over incoming signings this summer is a key part of the agreement. The Spaniard is not demanding complete control of recruitment or football operations, but he does recognise that the current model at Chelsea has assembled a hugely talented squad that needs only targeted additions to become genuine title challengers in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
In return, BlueCo have agreed to tinker with aspects of the working structure to ensure their new man feels fully supported. Insiders also revealed that Alonso\u2019s main concern is over the defensive line, with the Spaniard making it a firm condition that the club sign two new centre-backs before next season. Goalkeeping reinforcements also look on the cards, with Borussia Dortmund\u2019s Gregor Kobel \u2013 a Bundesliga product well known to Alonso \u2013 among the names being discussed internally.<\/p>\n
Chelsea hope to ratify the appointment before the end of the Premier League season next weekend. The FA Cup adventure is over, and outside hopes of European football are left. All eyes at Stamford Bridge now turn to finalising Alonso\u2019s contract and triggering a sweeping summer rebuild ahead of the 2026\/27 campaign.<\/p>\n\n <\/aside>\n \n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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