Eyebrows have understandably been raised following reports that Chelsea are exploring a deal for former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
Just months since his exit from Los Blancos, Alonso has been linked with a number of high profile jobs, with Chelsea the latest on the list following their decision to dispense with Liam Rosenior after just 107 days in charge.
While Andoni Iraola remains a strong candidate, there is a growing sense that Alonso is the profile Chelsea needs to finally stop the rot at Stamford Bridge.
However, there are a number of concerns, given Alonso played for Liverpool for four years during his time in England. During that period, both Chelsea and Liverpool had become sworn rivals. There is a sense among Liverpool fans that Alonso choosing to cross over to the blue divide would tarnish his reputation in Merseyside.
For the Blues, the fans will surely have limited animosity toward the Spaniard. During his time taking part in games featuring both outfits, it was his English counterpart Steven Gerrard that often faced the wrath of Chelsea fans.
With Chelsea in desperate need for a lift, Striver.Football breaks down five reasons why a move for Alonso makes sense.
5. Xabi Alonso Would Command Instant Dressing Room Respect
Recent Chelsea managers have struggled to bridge the gap between the dugout and a dressing room full of expensive, young talent.
According to The Athletic, Liam Rosenior’s short tenure failed largely due to a lack of "bond" with the players.
Alonso does not have that problem. When a man walks in with two Champions League trophies, a World Cup, and a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title, players listen.
For a squad that has looked leaderless, Alonso’s presence provides the "instant authority" that a mid-table appointment simply cannot offer.
4. Xabi Alonso's Tactics Would Fit Chelsea’s Current Players
Over the last two seasons, Chelsea’s recruitment has leaned heavily toward players comfortable playing both in a back three and back four set up.
Under Enzo Maresca and Rosenior, the squad became accustomed to this structure, with the side building up in a back three in possession.
Alonso’s Leverkusen side was a masterclass in the 3-4-2-1 formation. His system prioritizes width from wing-backs and creative freedom for dual "number 10s" - a setup that fits Chelsea’s current roster like a glove.
In Reece James and Marc Cucurella, Alonso would be inheriting two versatile fullbacks capable of dropping into the back three when the side has possession, before bombing forward to join the attack by the time his charges make the final third.
Alternatively, they are both comfortable hugging the line in equal measure. Center backs like Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Trevor Chalobah have the pace to cover large gaps, and have good ball playing qualities to help progress the ball from the back.
In midfield Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia can give Alonso the level of athletic presence Ezequiel Palacios offered him at Bayer Leverkusen, with Enzo Fernandes offering Granit Xhaka’s progressive qualities. In attack, Alonso would be inheriting alot of attackers that have shown promise, including Cole Palmer.
He would not need a massive clear-out to implement his philosophy; the tools are already there.
3. Alonso Could Unlock Cole Palmer
Speaking of Palmer, the former Man City man is Chelsea’s crown jewel, but even he has looked slightly subdued over the last 18 months amidst the club's tactical inconsistency. Alonso’s track record with Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen is the blueprint here.
Wirtz became one of Europe’s most lethal playmakers under Alonso because he was given the "swagger" and freedom to operate in the final third. If Alonso can do for Palmer what he did for Wirtz, Chelsea’s attack goes from predictable to world-class overnight.
2. Xabi Alonso Has Language and League Literacy
One of the biggest risks with overseas appointments is the "adaptation period." Alonso is the exception. Having spent five legendary years at Liverpool, he knows the pace, the physicality, and the culture of the Premier League.
This also helped him during his time at Leverkusen, having spent three years as a player for Bayern Munich before announcing his retirement in 2017.
There are also reports that the Spanish contingency within the Chelsea dressing room were hit hard by Enzo Maresca’s exit last January.
Having a Spanish-speaking gaffer in the set up would not be a bad way to win them back.
1. Real Madrid Experience Could Help Alonso at Chelsea
Critics point to his seven-month dismissal at Real Madrid as a red flag. However, managing Madrid is less about coaching and more about navigating high-level politics and massive egos.
By experiencing the "Bernabéu Pressure Cooker," Alonso has already faced the worst-case scenarios of elite management. He returns to the market with thicker skin and a better understanding of how to handle a high-scrutiny environment—exactly what he will face under the Boehly-Clearlake consortium.
The Verdict
Chelsea fans have grown tired of experiments, having grown so accustomed of instant results particularly during the Roman Abramovic era.
While the Liverpool connection might cause a few raised eyebrows on Merseyside, the Stamford Bridge faithful are ready to move on from sentimentality in exchange for success. Xabi Alonso is available, he fits the squad, and he has the "stature" to lead.
The ball is now in Chelsea’s court.
