Chelsea's search for a permanent head coach has intensified, with the club holding encouraging early discussions with Xabi Alonso while keeping a close watch on Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. The west London club made Calum McFarlane interim boss after sacking Liam Rosenior last month and are determined to get the next appointment right.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy is confident of landing their preferred candidate. Alonso, 44, emerged on Chelsea's radar at least three years ago and has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season. His Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 marked him as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches.
There is a belief inside the club that Alonso's possession-based, progressive style would suit Chelsea's young, technically gifted squad. His status as a former Spain international and Champions League winner could provide the authority needed to unify a talented dressing room and attract top players during the summer window.
However, Alonso is undecided on whether to dive straight back into management or take a break. Links to a possible Liverpool vacancy have been played down, with current indications that Anfield will stand by Arne Slot. That opens a clear path for Chelsea, who have wanted the former midfielder for years.
Iraola has emerged as an equally compelling option. Chelsea's recruitment department has acknowledged the squad needs to become more physical, and the Spaniard's Bournemouth side is among the most intense and aggressive in the Premier League. Chelsea have already met with Iraola to discuss the role.
Bournemouth's push for Champions League qualification— sitting six points above Chelsea in the table—has only enhanced his reputation. Losing key players in both defence and attack over the past year has not derailed their progress, a testament to Iraola's coaching.
While Alonso and Iraola are the leading names, the club has a wider shortlist. Fulham's Marco Silva, out of contract at season's end, and Crystal Palace's Olivier Glasner, who will depart after the Conference League final, are under consideration. Former Flamengo boss Filipe Luís is also on the radar, with Chelsea determined to leave no stone unturned.
Manchester United held talks with Iraola too, though sources suggest United are likely to retain Michael Carrick. That development lessens competition for the Spaniard's signature, potentially smoothing Chelsea's approach.
The situation carries huge implications for Chelsea's future. Repeated managerial changes have undermined stability since the takeover, and landing a figure of Alonso's calibre would signal ambition. Alternatively, appointing Iraola would bring proven Premier League know-how and a clear tactical identity.
For now, the focus is on Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City. McFarlane will be in the dugout, hoping to salvage a trophy from a disappointing league campaign, while the board assesses whether Alonso, Iraola, or another candidate is the right person to lead the rebuild.
Whatever the choice, Chelsea's decision could reshape the Premier League landscape. With Alonso, they would back a visionary who could elevate the club's profile in Europe; with Iraola, they would embrace an high-octane approach already proven on English shores. Both paths carry risk and reward, and the next few weeks promise to be decisive.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
