Xabi Alonso ‘to be named’ Chelsea manager after FA Cup final | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate for the Chelsea job, with the club accelerating talks and aiming to conclude matters after the FA Cup final, according to talkSPORT. An announcement could follow within hours.

Alonso is seeking a return to the dugout after being dismissed by Real Madrid in January. His unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen remains a powerful reference in England, and Chelsea view him as a strong fit for their project.

Talks have moved faster than expected in recent days, with Alonso asking for sporting guarantees on squad planning and his influence over decisions after his Madrid experience. Chelsea are prepared to grant him greater authority than recent managers.

Some within the dressing room are already enthusiastic about the possibility, attracted by his character and his footballing ideas.

Alonso’s reputation among Madrid supporters has recovered in recent weeks. Madrid have not improved since his exit, finishing the season without silverware amid sporting and institutional turmoil, while Kylian Mbappé has argued the team had a clear identity under him that has since faded.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo